Geddes guides Middlesex to win against Lancashire

Middlesex edged past Lancashire by six wickets during a tense County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford, marking their second victory of the season. The home side, after being put in for their second innings, collapsed to just 84 runs, with Naavya Sharma taking a remarkable four wickets for 17 runs, aided by Ryan Higgins, who claimed four for 27. This defeat left Lancashire with their lowest innings total against Middlesex at Old Trafford since 1935.

Starting the day at 45 for three, Lancashire lost their last seven wickets for only an addition of 39 runs, and their last six for just 21 in 10.1 overs. Sharma’s brilliant bowling was the highlight, as he took three wickets in his first over and finished with figures of four for 17 in 4.4 overs. Higgins contributed by dismissing Marcus Harris. The game’s proceedings turned unfavorable for Lancashire as they struggled against Middlesex's bowling attack.

In their chase for 117 runs to win, Middlesex faced a shaky start, falling to 64 for four at one point. However, Ben Geddes proved instrumental, scoring an unbeaten 73 runs off 70 balls. His efforts, alongside Higgins, who finished with seven runs, led the team to victory, securing a comfortable finish after what had looked uncertain before lunch.

Middlesex finished with 169 in their first innings, falling short of Lancashire's 201. In the morning session, Middlesex continued to dismantle the Lancashire batting order. Expansion to their total came with ease from 57 for two by lunch, despite losing two key wickets before the break. The Middlesex batting lineup approached their target positively, and despite some hiccups, they sealed their seventh victory against Lancashire. The result elevated Middlesex in the Division Two table, pending the outcome of other matches.