Essex Eagles have started their T20 Blast campaign with an eight-wicket victory over Middlesex Panthers after chasing down a target of 181 for the win at Lord's this afternoon.
The home side lost their first wicket inside the opening three overs, as Paul Stirling was bowled for just three runs, but this brought Eoin Morgan to the crease.
The England international formed a strong partnership with opener Dawid Malan, hitting 77 off 43 balls before being caught in the 16th over.
Malan went on to post the highest score in the home side's innings, heading back to the pavilion 86 not out as Essex were set a target of 181 for victory.
Essex made a strong start of they began their run chase, with Mark Pettini and Alastair Cook opening the batting, but the England Test captain was dismissed for 22 in the ninth over, leaving the side 81-1, while Jesse Ryder followed shortly after for 15.
Ravi Bopara steadied the innings for the visitors, smashing 44 off 24 to leave Essex needing just five from the final three overs.
Bopara hit a single before Pettini, who finished 95 not out, drove the ball for a boundary to seal the victory.
Middlesex will be back in action again Sussex later this afternoon.
