Eoin Morgan struck a magnificent century against Worcestershire. Photo credit: Stephen Pond/PA wire

Thrilling knock ends in tie with Worcestershire in CB40

Middlesex moved to the top of Group A in the Clydesdale Bank 40 but Eoin Morgan’s magnificent century could only inspire a thrilling tie with struggling Worcestershire at Uxbridge on Sunday.

In a match that was reduced to 36 overs per side due to rain, Morgan hammered an unbeaten 120 off just 80 balls, which included 11 fours and six maximums as Middlesex recovered from 67 for four to post 229 without further loss after being put into bat.

Morgan was helped in his charge by Scotland batsman Josh Davey, who contributed 53 from 56 deliveries.

Worcestershire, only just above bottom side Leicestershire by virtue of a better net run-rate, were helped in their chase by Phil Hughes’ 69 from 64 balls.

They looked like they were going to fall short as - at 206 for seven - they needed 24 runs off the last over, but wicketkeeper Ben Scott (29 not out) plundered a four and three sixes off Steven Crook and a single off the final delivery ensured the spoils were shared.

Essex eased to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Leicestershire in their bottom of the table encounter that was reduced to 25 overs each due to the inclement weather at Chelmsford.

Michael Thornely struck four boundaries and a six in his 55 from 53 balls at the top of the order to help Leicestershire to 151 for seven after they were put into bat.

Owais Shah led the way for Essex, who won with nine deliveries to spare, with an unbeaten 45 from 46 deliveries, which included three fours and a six.

A tight final over from Jim Allenby earned Glamorgan a two-run victory over Nottinghamshire under the Duckworth-Lewis Method in Group B.

Nottinghamshire had reached 77 for four in 18 overs in pursuit of 182 to win when rain interrupted play for more than an hour.

When play restarted the Outlaws needed 110 from 21 overs and 13 off the final six deliveries for victory but Chris Read and Scott Elstone could only manage five from the first five balls to give the Dragons victory.

Earlier, Glamorgan, who had won the toss, were indebted to Ben Wright’s 62 from 70 balls down the order as they reached 181 for eight from their 40 overs.

Rain caused problems elsewhere as Scotland’s clash against Durham at Uddingston was abandoned with a ball bowled.

Scotland lie at the foot of the Group B standings, two points behind their opponents.