Christian fireworks can’t save Middlesex

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Kent 208-4 (20 ov) v Middlesex 192 (19.4 ov)

Dan Christian’s stunning 129 from 57 balls wasn’t enough to prevent Middlesex Panthers from slipping to yet another T20 Blast defeat.

The Australian all-rounder, who also took two wickets in the Kent innings, hammered 12 fours and an incredible 10 sixes but was bowled at the start of the final over, with Middlesex needing 19 for victory.

Christian was the only Panthers batsman to make over 14 as Kent kept the squeeze on with regular wickets.

Earlier, the hosts had set a daunting target of 209 in their 20 overs and defended it with three wickets in the last five balls, condemning Middlesex to their sixth straight T20 loss.

Kent made a positive start by reaching 87-2 at the halfway stage, with Rob Key making a quickfire 36 before being stumped off.

Northeast’s 54 came off 32 balls while Blake and Sam Billings (31 not out) upped the ante by putting on 71 in the final five overs to take Kent past 200.

The Panthers’ response got off to a bad start when Paul Stirling was removed in the opening over.

Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan and Joe Denly all fell cheaply but Christian’s assertiveness helped Middlesex recover to 83-4 at halfway.

As wickets fell around him, Christian launched a blistering counter-attack in the 15th over, scoring 28 to give Panthers hope.

He reached his century with a six off countryman Doug Bollinger as Middlesex made it to 180-6, needing 29 from the last two overs.

However, Kent’s death bowling proved too good and David Griffiths ended Christian’s brilliant knock before finishing it off with the wickets of Ollie Rayner and Ravi Patel.

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