Ryan Higgins and Zahar Gohar batted through mounting pressure to help Middlesex salvage a draw at Derby
Middlesex clung on for a tense draw against Derbyshire in their County Championship Division Two clash at the County Ground in Derby, thanks to a vital lower-order stand between Ryan Higgins and Zahar Gohar.
After being asked to follow on, Middlesex fought back valiantly to end day four on 307-7, 150 runs ahead, when both captains agreed to call off the chase with 15 overs left.
It was a game where Derbyshire had looked the more dominant side, piling on 472 in their first innings, led by a century from Tom Andersson. In response, Middlesex faltered to 315 before being sent back in.
The fourth day began with Middlesex 97 runs behind, needing to bat deep to avoid defeat. Max Holden and Stephen Eskinazi laid the foundation with a crucial 169-run partnership for the second wicket, showcasing patience and class. Holden passed 500 runs for the season, closing in on his third century in seven innings.
However, both men fell in a chaotic final over before lunch. Holden, on 94, misjudged a slog sweep and was bowled by Jack Morley, while Eskinazi was run out by a direct hit after a risky third run attempt. From 204-1, Middlesex quickly collapsed to 220-6 as Derbyshire seized the momentum.
Ben Geddes and Jack Davies were swiftly removed after lunch, and the hosts sensed an opening. But Higgins and Gohar dug in with gritty determination. Higgins struck 56—his first half-century of the season—while Gohar remained unbeaten on 52. The duo soaked up pressure, frustrating the Derbyshire attack and shielding the tail.
Derbyshire tried everything, including the second new ball, but couldn’t break the stubborn stand until Higgins finally perished to a sweep shot, leaving Gohar to shepherd Middlesex to safety.
The draw saw Derbyshire climb to second in the table with 13 points, trailing leaders Leicestershire by 13. Middlesex claimed 11 points from the match and will be relieved to escape with a share of the spoils after being forced to follow on.
The day highlighted the highs and lows of county cricket—momentum shifts, individual brilliance, and gritty survival under pressure. For Middlesex, this was a lesson in resilience. For Derbyshire, it was a tale of opportunities missed.
