Stephen Eskinazi produced a batting masterclass on Sunday afternoon as his 130 knock ended Worcestershire Rapids’ perfect start to the 2021 Royal London Cup and gave Middlesex their first win of the competition.

The South African hit 11 fours and four sixes as he guided his side to a narrow 13-run win at New Road.

The Rapids’ had been set a total of 302 to chase off 40 overs and despite Jake Libby, Brett D’Oliveira and Tom Fell all hitting half-centuries, they came up short, leaving them second in Group A.

Middlesex opted to bat on a used pitch and openers Max Holden and Eskinazi added 65 before the former on 39 edged Adam Finch through to keeper Gareth Roderick.

Eskanazi struck Charlie Morris and Baker for sixes on his way to a 49 ball half century and he was full of improvisation and Robson was equally effective in reaching his 50 off 48 deliveries.

The partnership was worth 129 in 19 overs when Robson (57) fell to a low catch by Fell at mid on off Ed Barnard.

Eskinazi completed his century off 83 balls with a risky two to backward of point and Roderick was convinced he had run him out before he made his ground at full stretch.

It was a near faultless innings containing four sixes and seven fours before he was caught behind off a leading edge against Leach.

Martin Andersson bludgeoned 38 not out off only 11 balls to take the final total past 300 with 39 coming from the final two overs.

Worcestershire openers Jack Haynes and D’Oliveira had put on a club record 243 in the previous game against Essex but this time had to be content with a modest 37 before the former on 17 went for a cut and edged James Harris through to keeper Robbie White.

D’Oliveira completed a 53 ball fifty and the 100 partnership with Fell spanned 83 balls before D’Oliveira (74) was caught at long off attempting another big hit off Hollman.

It ended a stand of 116 in 15 overs with Fell who reached his own 50 off 55 balls but added only eight more before he was caught off a skier at backward point.

There were useful cameos from Roderick, on 23, and Barnard, with 18, and Libby had time to complete a 44 ball fifty before he was dismissed by Harris.

But ultimately, they didn’t quite have enough and Middlesex squeezed home with a few runs to spare.