Rocky Flintoff scored his maiden fifty for Lancashire with 88 off 115 balls in their Metro Bank One-Day Cup match against Middlesex at Emirates, Old Trafford. Despite his effort, Lancashire lost by five wickets as Middlesex chased down 233 for 9 with eight balls to spare.
Flintoff's innings, featuring six fours and two sixes, helped Lancashire set a competitive total. However, Middlesex's Joe Cracknell hit 98 and Sam Robson contributed 87, guiding their team to victory. Flintoff was out caught off the last ball of the innings, but his performance stood out as he reached his fifty off 77 balls.
Lancashire’s innings struggled early, losing key wickets, but Flintoff's partnership with Kesh Fonseka showed promise. Despite rain reducing the match to 48 overs per side, Flintoff and Bailey added 60 runs in 52 balls before Flintoff fell.
Middlesex's chase was steady, with Cracknell and Robson accelerating after a solid start. The pair’s partnership proved crucial, with Robson hitting the winning runs. Middlesex’s bowlers, particularly Ethan Bamber and Henry Brookes, played key roles in restricting Lancashire’s score.