Surrey Crush Middlesex to Reclaim Top Spot in Vitality Blast South Group

Surrey's dominance in the South Group of the Vitality Blast continued as they crushed arch-rivals Middlesex by 56 runs at Lord's. The victory propelled Surrey back to the summit of the standings, while Middlesex's misery extended to 13 consecutive home defeats in the competition.

Sean Abbott's devastating spell of 5 for 18 proved decisive for Surrey. The Australian seamer's variations, including slower balls and pinpoint yorkers, exposed Middlesex's batting frailties. Luke Hollman also impressed with a career-best 5-16, including a remarkable three wickets in one over.

Despite the Middlesex bowlers' heroics, Tom Curran (48 from 28) and Laurie Evans (41 from 20) propelled Surrey to a challenging 185 for 9. Evans' belligerent approach, including two sixes, set the tone for Surrey's innings.

Middlesex's chase never gained momentum. Martin Andersson's early dismissal was followed by a double-wicket maiden from Abbott, who removed Stephen Eskinazi and Holden with successive yorkers. Leus Du Plooy's departure left Middlesex reeling at 41 for 4.

Jack Davies' defiant 35 provided some resistance, but Abbott's hat-trick ball was dispatched for four. Ryan Higgins' dismissal soon after effectively ended Middlesex's hopes. Curran was forced out of the attack due to an arm injury, but Hollman's inability to replicate his bowling heroics with the bat sealed Surrey's comfortable victory.

Tags: #Surrey, #Middlesex, #VitalityBlast, #SeanAbbott, #LukeHollman