SOMERSET all-rounder Craig Overton claimed a hat-trick but could not quite inspire the MCC to victory as Middlesex edged to a thrilling one-wicket win in Abu Dhabi.

Set a target of 305 to win on the final day after the MCC were bowled out for 151 - with Overton hitting three sixes in his cameo knock of 28 - Middlesex started well and added 43 for the first wicket.

Overton's Somerset teammate Jack Leach was the man to make the breakthrough, dismissing Sam Robson for 20, but the run chase continued confidently as both Nick Compton and Nick Gubbins brought up their half-centuries.

Lewis Gregory was not having quite the impact he had during his five-wicket haul yesterday, but returned to the attack to dismiss Dawid Malan to reduce Middlesex to 144/3 with the match in the balance.

The London outfit looked in control 242/4 when Overton's deadly spell threatened to change the game's outcome.

During the last three balls of his ninth over, the Barnstaple-born seamer dismissed Stevie Eskinazi, James Franklin and James Harris with successive deliveries to leave Middlesex requiring 63 further runs with just three wickets remaining.

The champions were then made to sweat by promising young Hampshire spinner Mason Crane, who picked up two late wickets and four overall in the innings.

An excellent knock of 89* by Josh Simpson eventually guided the champions home, however, as he and last man Ravi Patel held their nerve in a match that got the county season off to an exciting start.

To see the full scorecard, click here.