Middlesex fired up for Twenty20 showdown

MIDDLESEX are quietly confident of victory ahead of Tuesday's crunch clash with Lancashire in the Twenty20 Cup quarter-final at the Brit Oval.

The Lord's outfit have been a revelation in the competition with eight wins from 10 south division matches. The 16 points gained saw them finish with the highest tally of the campaign.

Middlesex, who have been led for much of the competition by vice-captain Ed Joyce, are hopeful that club captain Ed Smith is fit to return on Tuesday.

Smith has been forced to miss the bulk of the competition after fracturing an ankle in their successful 20-over match against Essex three weeks ago.

Bowlers Murali Kartik and Dirk Nannes, who have been sidelined with ankle and hip injuries respectively, are also hopeful of taking part in Tuesday's crucial game, as is Alan Richardson who is currently back playing with the seconds.

However, Chris Silverwood, out of action with a knee injury since April, is not expected to participate in the match that takes place at the scene of last Friday's final group victory over the Surrey Brown Caps.

In that game Surrey elected to bat first but were immediately pinned down at 12-2 before scrambling their way to 139-8.

In reply, Middlesex initially struggled to find their rhythm and were 29-1 after the departure of opener Billy Godleman (12).

However, Dan Housego (18) and Tyron Henderson (26) quickly upped the tempo and victory was assured in the 18th over, thanks to a superb partnership between Ben Scott (31) and Dubliner Eoin Morgan (36).

Meanwhile, Morgan continued his good form this week with a knocks of 66 and 93 as Middlesex chased a third successive win in the County Championship against Northants at Uxbridge.

l Middlesex warm up for Tuesday's Twenty20 showdown with a three-day tour match against South Africa at Uxbridge, starting tomorrow.