Middlesex celebrated their first List A title in 36 years after defeating Leicestershire Foxes by 31 runs in a tight Metro Bank One Day Cup final at Trent Bridge. The victory breaks a long trophy drought for the county, dating back to their 1990 Refuge Assurance Cup win over Derbyshire.
Ryan Higgins anchored Middlesex’s innings with his first List A century, scoring 100 from 115 balls. He was supported by Harry Duke, who contributed 55 runs as they built a crucial 135-run partnership off the sixth wicket, leading the side from 71-5 to 231 all out. Both batters made their first appearances of the competition for Middlesex, with Duke on loan from Yorkshire.
In response, New Zealand international Nick Kelly led Leicestershire’s chase with an impressive 103 off 107 balls. Despite reaching fifty in just 52 balls and adding 50 for the sixth wicket with Ian Holland, Kelly was dismissed by Tom Helm, who claimed three wickets for just 32 runs. Leicestershire were bowled out for 200, falling short of the target.
Middlesex’s fielding display was equally impactful. Wicketkeeper Ben Cox took five catches, while Toby Roland-Jones and Naayva Sharma claimed three wickets each. Sharma finished as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 20 dismissals overall. The result marks a significant win for Middlesex amid off-field instability for Leicestershire, who are currently facing almost certain relegation following a points deduction in the County Championship.
Sharma ending as top wicket-taker with twenty dismissals. Underrated all-rounder, definitely.
Ben Cox taking five catches is insane. That’s the kind of fielding that wins finals.
Kelly played magnificently but lacked support. Leicestershire’s off-field issues seem to be catching up with them.
Higgins finally got his century and it had to be the biggest one of his career. Deserved victory.
Thirty-six years! Middlesex fans must be absolutely buzzing right now. What a moment for the club.