In a thrilling Metro Bank One-Day Cup match at Emirates Old Trafford, 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff's impressive 88 runs off 115 balls couldn’t prevent Lancashire from falling to a five-wicket defeat against Middlesex. Despite Flintoff's valiant efforts, Middlesex chased down Lancashire’s total of 233-9, securing a vital victory in their pursuit of a spot in the knockout stages.
Flintoff’s innings, featuring six fours and two sixes, was the highlight for Lancashire as they posted 233-9 in a game reduced to 48 overs per side due to rain. His dismissal came on the last ball of Lancashire’s innings, caught after playing a pivotal role in keeping his team competitive. Flintoff’s effort, however, was outshone by Middlesex’s Joe Cracknell, who scored 98, and Sam Robson, who remained unbeaten on 87, as they shared a match-winning 175-run partnership for the second wicket.
Middlesex’s innings got off to a solid start despite the threat of rain, which necessitated keeping an eye on the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations. Joe Cracknell and Nathan Fernandes laid the foundation with a 45-run partnership before Fernandes was dismissed for 11, giving Josh Boyden his first wicket for Lancashire.
The tempo of Middlesex’s innings remained steady, with Cracknell reaching his half-century off 71 balls, guiding the visitors to 104-1 at the halfway point. As the partnership between Cracknell and Robson continued to flourish, Lancashire’s bowling attack struggled to maintain control, especially against spinners who found it hard to grip the ball in the drizzle.
Robson brought up his fifty in 64 balls, and fittingly, it was he who hit the winning runs, sealing the victory with eight balls to spare. Despite a late wobble caused by Jack Morley, who took 3-48, Middlesex’s batsmen remained composed. Boyden also contributed with 2-35, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Middlesex from overhauling the target.
Henry Brookes led the Middlesex bowling attack, taking 4-43, well-supported by Ethan Bamber, who finished with 2-31. Flintoff’s performance, though memorable, couldn’t halt Middlesex’s march towards victory, leaving Lancashire to reflect on what might have been.