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Middlesex cruise past Durham

26/07/2008

Middlesex stormed to victory over Durham in the second Twenty20 Cup semi-final at the Rose Bowl.

Chasing a below-par total of total of 139, Tyrone Henderson scored a devastating 59 off 21 balls – including a winning six – to secure Middlesex an eight-wicket victory.

Middlesex will now face Kent in this evening's final.

Durham's batted first and their total of 138 never looked like being enough.

Paul Collingwood – recalled to the England test squad this morning – scored 35 off 31 including four sixes.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul was their top-scorer with 48 from 47 balls, before he was eventually caught by Ed Joyce off the bowling of Tim Murtagh.

Murtagh finished with figures of 3-29 as Durham could only keep their fingers crossed that Middlesex wouldn't make the total.

Captain Ed Joyce, with 41 from 37 balls, gave Middlesex a solid footing and the decision to bring in Henderson at number four was inspired.

He hit seven sixes and four fours as Middlesex cruised to victory.

Steve Harmison – who was also recalled to the England Test squad today – was the chief victim, finishing with figures of 0-47 from just 3.4 overs, with Henderson hitting him for 33.

With Owais Shah also unbeaten on 13 at the other end, Middlesex reached the desired total with another enormous Henderson six, with five overs to spare.

They are now guaranteed a place in the lucrative Twenty20 Champions League, but will look to bring some silverware back home with victory over Kent in the final, which starts at 7.15pm.