Gohar and Batting Duo Power Middlesex to Commanding Victory Over Northamptonshire

Middlesex continued their push for a knockout berth in the Metro Bank One Day Cup with a convincing four-wicket win over Northamptonshire at Wantage Road, thanks to a clinical bowling display led by Zafar Gohar and composed fifties from Sam Robson and Ben Geddes.

Chasing a modest target of 190, Middlesex reached 192 for 6 with 17.3 overs to spare. Robson anchored the innings with a fluent 67 off 70 balls, while skipper Geddes followed up his unbeaten 141 against Kent with a run-a-ball 51. The pair added 76 for the third wicket to lay the foundation for a comfortable chase.

Earlier, Northamptonshire were bundled out for 189 in just 38.1 overs despite a promising third-wicket stand between Ricardo Vasconcelos and Rob Keogh. The duo added 108 after the Steelbacks were rocked early by Middlesex all-rounder Ryan Higgins, who made an instant impact in his first appearance of the competition.

Higgins removed Tim Robinson with the first ball of the innings and struck again to dismiss James Sales, reducing the hosts to 4 for 2. Vasconcelos (62 off 61) and Keogh (60 off 68) rebuilt confidently, both registering their first fifties of the tournament. However, their progress was halted when a powerful drive from Keogh struck Vasconcelos on the helmet at the non-striker’s end, disrupting his momentum.

Soon after, Vasconcelos fell to Luke Hollman, and a collapse ensued. The remaining eight wickets tumbled for just 77 runs, with Gohar (4 for 39) exploiting the conditions expertly. He bowled Ravi Bopara around his legs and had Keogh stumped smartly by Joe Cracknell. He added two more scalps, supported well by Higgins, who returned figures of 3 for 34.

Middlesex’s chase got off to a shaky start when Cracknell chopped on for a duck, extending his poor form. Robson survived an early chance when Vasconcelos dropped him at second slip, and made the most of it, playing a series of stylish strokes. Geddes, at the other end, looked assured, bringing up his half-century with a straight drive before falling immediately after the drinks break.

Though there were a few late wickets, including the dismissal of Higgins for a brisk 48 off 34, Middlesex were always in control. Gohar fittingly sealed the win by lofting George Bartlett over the top, capping off a dominant all-round performance.

The loss marked Northamptonshire’s fifth defeat in seven games, while Middlesex kept their hopes alive with a well-rounded team effort.