An opening partnership of 77 might have made Ed Joyce think twice about putting Leicestershire in to bat after winning the toss, but some tight bowling soon reduced the Foxes to 123-5 and later 205 all out as Simon Cook claimed career-best figures of 6-37. Cookie's victims included top-scorers Darren Maddy and Brad Hodge, while seven catches and a run-out would indicate that Middlesex's recent epidemic of dubious fielding is now behind them.

Despite early losses, the Crusaders kept the scoreboard ticking over on the way to their total, and by the time the brilliant Paul Weekes was dismissed for 90, the score was 170-4. After a short break for rain, the total was revised to 187 from 42 overs, and the last few runs were duly scored by Dalrymple and Klusener to ensure a 6-wicket triumph with 9 balls to spare. This win keeps Middlesex at the top of the NCL league table, and in this great form, promotion surely beckons.

Please click here for a scorecard on this match.

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