ADAM Voges knows better than most for Middlesex to beat Hampshire in tonight’s do-or-die T20 clash is as tough an assignment as it gets.
The Panthers travel to the Ageas Bowl knowing they must beat the reigning champions and hope Surrey beat Essex if they are to advance to the knockout stages for the first time since winning the trophy in 2008.
Aussie ace Voges was part of a less than successful campaign with the Royals back in 2007, but acknowledges they have been the best players of the bish, bash, bosh format over the last few seasons, winning the competition twice in the last three years.
Consequently, the 33-year-old knows for Gus Fraser’s side to even keep their end of the bargain is a huge task, but he has far from given up on the idea of putting one over some of his old mates.
He said: “It is a tough assignment to beat Hampshire at the Rosebowl. They have found a formula over the last few years which works for them and they have been very successful. They have shown again this year they are probably the team to beat.
“We know we have to win and we understand the enormity of what we have got to do down there, but I’ve seen the boys play some very good cricket at times in this competition so I’ve got no doubt we can beat Hampshire.”
If Middlesex need further inspiration on how to beat many people’s tournament favourites, Voges feels they should look no further than Kent’s shock win at the Ageas earlier this month, the Royals’ only defeat of the campaign so far.
He added: "Kent proved Hampshire are beatable and that is the beauty of this South Group that anyone can beat anyone on a given day. It is a matter of who can put their hand up on the day."
