12 Jul, 2025 | 08:37 AM
Middlesex secured a 23-run victory over Gloucestershire at Merchant Taylors' School in a crucial Vitality Blast encounter, as half-centuries from Kane Williamson and Leus du Plooy provided the foundation for the win. This marked just the fifth-ever victory for Middlesex over Gloucestershire in the competition.
Williamson and du Plooy Power Middlesex to 189
The hosts set a competitive total of 189/5, with Williamson leading the way with a rapid 52 off 28 balls, including two sixes and six fours. The New Zealand international's knock was supported by skipper Leus du Plooy, who also notched 54 from 35 balls, with two sixes of his own. Together, they added 92 runs for the third wicket, setting a strong platform for Middlesex.
The early part of the innings saw Stephen Eskinazi and Ben Geddes providing the initial acceleration. Both cleared the ropes in the powerplay, but the pair fell in quick succession, leaving du Plooy to take charge. Williamson, meanwhile, was fortunate to survive a dropped catch by Graeme van Buuren at deep mid-off when on 13, a missed opportunity that would prove costly.
After the drop, Williamson exploded into action, scoring 39 runs from just 15 balls, including a stunning straight six off van Buuren. However, he was eventually dismissed, caught at short fine leg off the bowling of D’Arcy Short, leaving Middlesex at 92/2. Du Plooy then reached his half-century, but he too fell soon after, dismissed by a hostile spell from South African pacer Marchant de Lange, who nearly claimed a hat-trick in the process.
Gloucestershire's Chase Falters Despite Short's 64
In reply, Gloucestershire's chase was led by Australian D’Arcy Short, who anchored the innings with a well-played 64 off 46 balls. The opening batter struggled early but found his rhythm with a magnificent straight six off Ryan Higgins. He went on to reach his half-century with a spectacular uppercut over the wicketkeeper's head, showing glimpses of his explosive talent.
Short found support in Jack Taylor, who struck 41 off 27 balls, but the chase never fully gained momentum. The pair added 50 runs in 29 balls before the game’s turning point arrived. First, Short was dismissed for 64, gloving a delivery from Noah Cornwell through to wicketkeeper Joe Cracknell, and then Taylor fell to debutant Sebastian Morgan, who claimed 2/34 on his first appearance for Middlesex.
Morgan made an immediate impact with the ball, picking up the wicket of Miles Hammond in his opening over, courtesy of a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch by du Plooy. Morgan's brilliant fielding and his timely wickets helped keep Gloucestershire on the back foot.
Middlesex Bowlers Tighten the Screws
With 52 runs required from the last four overs, Gloucestershire's chances looked increasingly slim. Despite a flurry of boundaries, including an aggressive spell from Taylor, the task became too much when Short and Taylor fell in quick succession. Higgins and Cornwell kept the pressure up, and with tight bowling towards the end, Middlesex successfully defended their total, dismissing Gloucestershire for 166/7.
Key Performances:
Kane Williamson: 52 off 28 balls (2 sixes, 6 fours)
Leus du Plooy: 54 off 35 balls (2 sixes)
D’Arcy Short: 64 off 46 balls (7 fours, 1 six)
Jack Taylor: 41 off 27 balls (4 fours)
Sebastian Morgan: 2 wickets for 34 runs
Luke Hollman: 2 wickets for 30 runs
Qualification Race Heats Up
The win moves Middlesex into a more secure position in the South Group standings, while Gloucestershire will be left to reflect on missed opportunities in their chase. The defeat sees them slip further down the table in the congested battle for qualification.
The victory also saw debutant Sebastian Morgan announce himself in some style, with both the ball and in the field, contributing significantly to Middlesex’s success in this important fixture. The game also featured two near-hat-tricks, as both de Lange and Hollman threatened to make history.
With the competition intensifying, Middlesex will now look to build on this win as they move into the final stages of the group stage, while Gloucestershire will need to regroup ahead of their next matches.
