When the Eagles beat Hampshire a few weeks back at the Ageas Bowl, I was critical of the role Zaidi played, likening his innings to a floundering flailing mismatch of a lower order batsman promoted to pinch hit above his capability.
Well how happy am I that tonight Zaidi rose to the bait of a potential quarter final and catapulted the Eagles to yet another remarkable and at times most unlikely win. Cometh the hour and cometh the man. What a knock and what superb shot selection, thoroughly out thinking the bowlers. Well played indeed. Middlesex looked really shocked and but for Zaidi, would probably have won, although with Tendo, Foster and Napier, still to bat, who knows what would have happened.
Lawrence played an important innings, showing maturity above his age, and impressed with his calmness, apart from the unfortunate run out of Ravi, which was more attributable to Ravi than him. He did not let it affect him though and hit a valuable boundary within two balls I think of Ravi's dismissal.
Given that the pitch was dry, tired and slowing up the longer the game went, and the control that the spinners exerted, I was very surprised that Zaidi did not bowl at all. This was picked up on Sky, and as Zaidi possibly was recruited more for his spinning prowess than his batting ability, was this not a surprise, and if we had lost, the question of his non bowling might have provoked A debate.
Whatever the pros and cons, The coach trip back to Chelmsford will have been sweet indeed.
If we beat Glamorgan tomorrow, still a big ask, we will have qualified, but even if we lose and provided that we are not thrashed, our run rate or whatever it is called is much better than Surrey and marginally better than Kent, who play each other tomorrow. All to play for. Chelmsford tomorrow night should be heaving. I wish I was there, but will be watching, bottom of the table clash between Hampshire and Somerset. Who'd have thought that, a few seasons ago!!
My heart however will be elsewhere, willing the lads on for one final push.
Tonight has demonstrated for me why cricket, with its ebbs and flows is the greatest game in the world.
