In a dramatic semi‑final showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex produced a breathtaking recovery to deny Durham and England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final. The victory not only secured Middlesex’s first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years but also underscored the unpredictable nature of limited‑overs cricket, where momentum can shift in an instant. The match began under the bright lights of the home ground, with Durham electing to bat first after winning the toss.
Their innings unfolded as a solid, if not spectacular, effort, culminating in a total of 254 for 7 wickets in the allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a composed 80 from Will Rhodes, who displayed a blend of patience and aggression, and an unbeaten 71 from Colin Ackermann, whose stroke‑play kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite these contributions, Durham’s total was slightly below the par score for a final, setting the stage for a tense chase. Middlesex’s response started poorly.
By the end of the 31st over, they found themselves reeling at 145 for 7, a precarious position that seemed to guarantee a heavy defeat. At that juncture, the required run‑rate was climbing steeply, and the pressure on the lower order was immense.
However, the tide turned when Luke Hollman, already known for his calm demeanor under pressure, took charge of the innings. Hollman, who had been relatively quiet up to that point, unleashed an unbeaten 83 runs, a knock that combined aggressive boundary hitting with astute placement.
His innings was the catalyst for a remarkable partnership with Tom Helm, who contributed a valuable 40 runs. Together, they forged a 79‑run stand for the eighth wicket, effectively stabilising the innings and resetting the chase. The partnership not only added crucial runs but also shifted the psychological balance of the game.
Durham, who had been confident after restricting Middlesex to a low score, now found themselves on the back foot. As the overs progressed, Middlesex continued to chip away at the target, with Noah Cornwell offering a brief cameo that, while not adding many runs, provided the necessary support to see the innings through.
Hollman, displaying composure beyond his years, methodically accumulated the remaining 31 runs required, sealing the victory with eight balls to spare and securing a two‑wicket win for his side. While Middlesex celebrated their improbable triumph, Stokes’ impact on the semi‑final was modest. After Durham’s batting innings, Stokes contributed a modest six runs to the total, a far cry from the match‑winning performances he is capable of. With the ball, he bowled a disciplined spell of nine overs, conceding 40 runs and taking a solitary wicket – that of Joshua de Caires, the son of former England captain Michael Atherton, which came on his third delivery.
Despite this early breakthrough, Stokes was unable to make further inroads, and his spell did not alter the course of the match. Middlesex’s all‑round effort was highlighted by Hollman’s dual contribution – his unbeaten 83 with the bat and an impressive three wickets for 53 runs with his leg‑spin. His spin bowling added a crucial dimension, breaking partnerships and applying pressure on Durham’s middle order.
Zafar Gohar also played a pivotal role, claiming two wickets for 39 runs, including the key dismissal of Stokes, while Naavya Sharma contributed two wickets for 40 runs, further tightening the bowling attack. Looking ahead, Middlesex’s victory sets up a final clash against Leicestershire, who earned their place by defending a total of 304 and beating the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final. The final is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Leicestershire’s semi‑final performance was marked by a dominant century from Hamza Shaikh, a former England U19 captain, who smashed 104 runs off 109 balls – his second hundred of the tournament. Shaikh’s innings was supported by a solid 53 from Nick Kelly, and together they built a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket, laying the foundation for a competitive total of 303 for 7.
Leicestershire’s bowling attack, featuring the 19‑year‑old fast bowler Alex Green, who claimed four wickets for 40 runs, proved too much for the Outlaws, who were bowled out for 280. Despite a fighting effort from Freddie McCann (64) and Haseeb Hameed (54) for Nottinghamshire, the lack of a substantial partnership meant they fell short of the target, and the Outlaws were eliminated from the competition. The semi‑finals have highlighted the depth of talent across the domestic circuit, with emerging players like Hollman, Shaikh, and Green showcasing the future of English cricket.
As the final approaches, fans can anticipate a high‑octane encounter between Middlesex, buoyed by their dramatic comeback, and a confident Leicestershire side that has demonstrated both batting firepower and bowling precision throughout the tournament. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup, with both teams eager to claim the coveted trophy.