Ryan Higgins Masterclass Delivers Long-Awaited List A Crown for Middlesex


Middlesex defeated the Leicestershire Foxes by 31 runs at Trent Bridge to win the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, claiming their first List A trophy in 36 years. Early Collapse: Batting first, Middlesex found themselves in severe trouble after Ian Holland (5/36) and Rehan Ahmed (3/55) ripped through the top order to reduce them to 71/5.   Higgins' Counter-Attack: All-rounder Ryan Higgins anchored the innings with a brilliant maiden List A century (100 off 114 balls). He combined with Harry Duke (55) for a pivotal 135-run sixth-wicket partnership to lift Middlesex to a total of 231 all out.   Foxes Top-Order Stumble: In reply, Leicestershire suffered a similar collapse, reduced to 79/5 as veteran Toby Roland-Jones (3/27) tore through their top order.   Kelly's Valiant Resistance: Nick Kelly spearheaded Leicestershire's fightback with a brilliant 103 off 103 balls. However, he was eventually caught at mid-wicket by Higgins off Tom Helm with 57 runs still required, effectively sealing Leicestershire's fate.   History Made: Middlesex wrapped up the final two wickets to bowl Leicestershire out for 200, ending a 36-year wait for 50-over silverware dating back to 1988. But, after needing treatment for cramp, he pulled Helm straight to deep square. Ajaz Patel fell to a stunning catch at backward point by Zafar off Helm, before Scriven was the last man to go, caught at mid-off. Middlesex 231 (Higgins 100, Duke 55, Holland 5-36) beat Leicestershire 200 (Kelly 105, Roland-Jones 3-27, Helm 3-32, Sharma 3-37) by 31 runs