LONDON — Middlesex seized control of their County Championship clash against Northamptonshire as Zafar Gohar’s five-wicket haul and a solid batting display handed them a commanding lead of 193 runs by stumps on Day 3 at Lord’s.
Gohar’s Fiery Spell Puts Middlesex in Command
Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar starred with the ball, claiming 5-98 to dismantle Northamptonshire’s middle order and restrict them to 435 in their first innings. The Pakistani international, on loan from Gloucestershire, exploited the turning surface brilliantly, extracting sharp turn and bounce to trouble the visitors. "It was a fantastic effort from Zafar," said Middlesex captain Toby Roland-Jones. "He’s been a real asset for us this season."
Northants, resuming at 312-4, looked set for a bigger total before Gohar’s intervention. Key contributions came from:
- Rob Keogh (89)
- Lewis McManus (76)
- Justin Broad (52)
Middlesex Batting Solidifies Advantage
In reply, Middlesex’s top order capitalized on the favorable conditions, reaching 215-3 by close of play. Opener Mark Stoneman led the charge with a composed 68, while Max Holden (49*) and Stephen Eskinazi (45) provided crucial support. "The pitch is still good for batting, but we’ve got to be ruthless tomorrow," Holden told reporters.
Key Moments from the Day
The match swung decisively in Middlesex’s favor during two pivotal phases:
- Morning Session: Gohar removed Keogh and McManus in quick succession, triggering a collapse of 5-78.
- Evening Session: Stoneman and Holden’s 92-run stand steadied Middlesex after an early wobble.
What’s Next for Both Sides?
With two days remaining, Middlesex will aim to extend their lead beyond 300 to force a declaration, while Northants need early wickets to stay in contention. "We’re not out of this yet," insisted Northants skipper Luke Procter. "If we bowl well tomorrow, anything’s possible."
Weather permitting, Day 4 promises high stakes. Middlesex’s lower order, including all-rounder Ryan Higgins, could accelerate the scoring, while Northants will rely on spinner Alex Russell to replicate Gohar’s impact.
Conclusion: Middlesex Hold All the Cards
Gohar’s heroics and a disciplined batting effort have put Middlesex in pole position. Unless Northants produce a dramatic turnaround, the hosts look set to secure their second win of the season. "It’s been a near-perfect day," Roland-Jones summed up. "Now we finish the job."