Middlesex captain Eoin Morgan admitted his side were out of contention for a quarter-final place in the Vitality Blast T20 ‘barring miracles’ after their nine-wicket loss at Surrey on Friday night.

Paul Stirling’s 109 off 58 balls led Middlesex to 221-5 at the Kia Oval, with James Fuller (37 not out) playing a cameo 19-ball innings.

But Aaron Finch and Jason Roy plundered the visiting bowling attack in a 194-run opening stand to set up victory with four overs to spare.

England internatoinal Roy’s was the only wicket to fall, after he had hit seven sixes and seven four in his 84 off 37 balls, while Australian Finch finished unbeaten on 117 from 52 deliveries, having hit eight sixes and 11 fours.

And Morgan said: “It was two world-class players at their best and taking full advantage of excellent batting conditions.

“Regardless of the result, it was a great game to play in. It doesn’t get much better than that: a big sell-out crowd and some of the best players in the world showcasing what they can do.

“We tried to vary our pace and not to be predictable but when players like Finch and Roy get going there’s not really a lot you can do to stop them.

“It was remarkable the way they both struck the ball and the consistency of their hitting.”

Surrey captain Jade Dernbach added: “That was unbelievable. I think we have just witnessed two of the best T20 players in the world putting on a show in front of a full house and I’m not sure if I’ve seen anything like it. Wow!

“The clean hitting of Aaron and Jason was incredible to watch and what they both did out there is just pure talent. They both trust in their ability to hit every ball for six if it is in their zones and although Middlesex’s bowlers clearly had some good plans they simply couldn’t do anything to stop Aaron and Jason.”

Middlesex return to action when Glamorgan visit Richmond’s Old Deer Park on Sunday (2.30pm).