Middlesex snapped a winless start by taking first T20 Blast victory of 2026 at Hove, beating Sussex 213‑4. Max Holden sparked the chase with a 41‑ball 77, hitting five sixes and six fours. Adam Rossington fell early, but Holden steadied the innings, lifting the score to 213‑4.

Holden’s 77 arrived in the sixth over, when he drove a Tymal Mills delivery to third man for a boundary. He shared a 95‑run partnership with debutant Joshua De Caires, who finished unbeaten 80 from 44 balls, including five sixes and seven fours. De Caires’ explosive knock, coupled with Holden’s steady play, powered the 213‑4 total.

Sussex could not keep pace after losing key bowlers Ollie Robinson and Henry Crocombe to England duties. Tymal Mills took three wickets, but the rest of the attack was expensive, conceding 182 for the loss of seven wickets in the final overs. Middlesex’s victory places them back in the running for the knockout stage and strengthens their push for a playoff spot.