Gladiators edge out Panthers

Marshall: 38-ball half-century

Gloucestershire Gladiators defended a score of 153-6 for a four-run success against Middlesex Panthers in the FP t20.

Asked to bat at Nevil Road, the home side relied on a 94-run, fourth-wicket stand between Hamish Marshall and Alex Gidman for the bulk of their total.

Marshall, the former New Zealand Test batsman, finished unbeaten on 52 from 40 balls, while skipper Gidman made 42 off 33 before falling late on in the chase for quick runs - one of two wickets for Middlesex seamer Tim Murtagh (2-30).

Faced with a modest target, the Panthers looked well on course for victory until spin duo Richard Dawson (2-20) and Aaron Redmond (1-26) bowled eight tight overs of spin in mid-innings.

With 12 needed off the final over, Steve Kirby bowled top scorer Dawid Malan (44) with the first ball and then held his nerve to close out the win, the visitors ending up on 149-7 with Ben Scott 25 not out.