3 Reasons Why MID Lost to SUR in the South Group Match of Vitality Blast 2025

On a tense July evening at Lord’s, with Surrey posting a competitive 189/9 on the board, Middlesex looked to be progressing with the swagger of a T20 fan. When Stephen Eskinazi unleashed his powerful display of 53 from 38 balls that opened the batting, Middlesex had laid a great base, and the positive psychology of their early innings felt like a walk in the park. The overs ticked by, and although Surrey’s bowlers started to apply pressure, it felt like Middlesex were still in control, and it all just turned to a bitter ending, falling just short by 8 runs. After such an exciting finish, what went wrong for Middlesex on a wicket that showed so much promise? Let’s dig into the drama.

Middle-Order Collapse Killed the Momentum

To start, Middlesex’s middle order was completely oblivious of the chase that they needed to make up. After Eskinazi’s scorching start, the wickets came tumbling down at the worst times—Ben Geddes was dismissed early for almost nothing, and during periods of overs 9-15, wicket after wicket passed, which seemed to crush any tempo Middlesex had established. 

Though du Plooy’s 29 from 17 balls showed intent, his run-out was a devastating twist that dented Middlesex’s momentum. Wickets fell so rapidly that the chase withered away to nothing, making the target seem a non-entity even though the scoreboard was giving decent strike rates. It was simply the classic case of watching momentum slip from a chase that required partnerships, not brilliance.

Chris Jordan and Ryan Higgins Turned the Tide

The changing point came with the Surrey bowling lineup, and Chris Jordan particularly made the game change with his calm and smart spell. Jordan’s double-wicket haul of (2/28 from 4 overs) came when it had to, at a critical time to stall Middlesex’s momentum on a couple of crucial wickets of Eskinazi and hopefully Max Holden. His ability to take wickets and strangle their run rate also created subsequent pressure for Middlesex’s run chase in a manic few overs. 

Alongside him, Ryan Higgins was terrific, taking 4 for 33, also unpicking Middlesex’s order with relentless pressure and changes in pace. Their death bowling was strong and simple, and not only limited runs but also created confidence in their players and gave a psychological shift towards Surrey.

Poor Finishing Cost Them in the Death Overs

The failure to finish powerfully proved costly for Middlesex. Matthew Higgins (32 from 14) and himself (29 from 18) did provide some fireworks at the end, but the team continued to struggle to rotate strike and turn promising starts into a winning impetus. The death overs for Middlesex only mustered a run rate of 9.05 per over, far short of the required run rate of 9.45 that Surrey had set for them.

While extras were limited, in the form of some wides and leg byes, it all adds pressure rather than relieves it. Missed chances to find the boundary in a high-pressure chase deep, and as the visibly tired Middlesex side looked to finish, they completely lacked the necessary clinical finish, which was their final undoing.

A mixture of jangled middle-order nerves, good bowling from Surrey, and a poor finish saw Middlesex’s brave chase falter. The match drifted away, not because Middlesex didn’t have enough power, but because Surrey’s bowlers had their say at the crucial time. Defeat hurts if you’re a Middlesex fan, but it reinforces the need to finish strong—not just to start strong—in Vitality Blast.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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