Klinger Efforts Not Enough As Middlesex Win
15 August 2013
Michael Klinger top scored with 46 as Gloucestershire’s hopes of reaching the Yorkshire Bank 40 semi-finals suffered a blow with a 19-run defeat by Middlesex at Lord’s.
A century from Dawid Malan guided the hosts to 206-5 in a match reduced by rain to 38 overs per side. The opener made 113 not out in what proved a match-winning innings, with the next highest contribution being Eoin Morgan’s 22.
In reply Gloucestershire lost Hamish Marshall to the first ball of their innings and were 3-2 in the second over when Chris Dent was dismissed as they chased a target revised by one run to 206 under the Duckworth-Lewis system.
Klinger did his best to lead a revival on a tricky pitch and Ian Cockbain (30) helped the skipper add 81 for the third wicket.
But both fell in quick succession and Middlesex were always favourites from then on. A couple of sixes from Alex Gidman (19) and two more from Benny Howell, who made 39, briefly raised Gloucestershire hopes, but in the end they were restricted to 186-9.
Ed Young was the most economical Gloucestershire bowler, conceding just 29 from seven overs, and at the halfway stage they would have fancied their chances.
But the early double strike by Steven Finn and James Harris put the visitors on the back foot and they never fully recovered.
Gloucestershire must now look to win their last two Group C games at home to semi-final candidates Glamorgan on Sunday and against leaders Somerset at the County Ground eight days later to clinch a place in the last four.
For more details of the Middlesex game click on Cricket and then Match Reports.
