In a dramatic semi‑final clash that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex pulled off an extraordinary comeback to eliminate Durham and snatch a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final, thereby denying England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a chance to feature in the championship match. The victory also marked Middlesex’s first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years, ending a long‑standing drought for the historic county side.
The encounter began with Durham electing to bat first, posting a respectable total of 254 for 7 wickets. Their innings, however, was largely anchored by a modest contribution from Stokes, who managed only six runs before being dismissed. While Durham’s top order delivered a solid platform—Will Rhodes compiling a fluent 80 and Colin Ackermann remaining unbeaten on 71—their chase later faltered under pressure from a disciplined Middlesex bowling attack.
Zafar Gohar was instrumental with the ball, claiming two wickets for 39 runs, including the prized scalp of Stokes, while Naavya Sharma added two for 40. Stokes himself bowled a tidy spell of nine overs, conceding 40 runs and taking the wicket of Joshua de Caires, the son of former England captain Michael Atherton, but his efforts were insufficient to turn the tide.
When Middlesex began their reply, the situation looked bleak. By the end of the 31st over they were 145 for 7, still needing 110 runs to win with only three wickets in hand. The pressure was palpable, and many spectators assumed the match was slipping away from the home side.
Yet the innings was far from over. Luke Hollman, who had already shown his all‑round capabilities, stepped up dramatically.
Batting with composure and confidence, Hollman crafted an unbeaten 83, guiding Middlesex back into contention. His innings was built around a vital partnership of 79 runs for the eighth wicket with Tom Helm, who contributed a quick‑fire 40. This stand stabilized the chase and shifted momentum firmly onto Middlesex’s side. As the overs ticked down, the partnership was eventually broken, but Hollman continued to dominate the scoring.
He was supported by Noah Cornwell, who, despite a modest personal score of one, remained at the crease and offered a steady presence while Hollman methodically accumulated the remaining 31 runs needed for victory. The winning runs came with eight balls left in the innings, sealing a two‑wicket win that sent Middlesex through to the final. The triumph was not solely the result of Hollman’s heroics.
Middlesx’s bowlers had set the stage earlier in the match by restricting Durham to a sub‑300 total. Hollman himself contributed with the ball, delivering a sharp leg‑spin spell that yielded three wickets for 53 runs, showcasing his dual skill set.
The collective bowling effort, highlighted by Gohar’s two‑for‑39 and Sharma’s two‑for‑40, ensured that Durham never built a commanding total, keeping the chase within reach despite the early setbacks. Looking ahead, Middlesex will now face Leicestershire in the final scheduled for Sunday, September 20, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Leicestershire earned their spot by defending a total of 304, defeating the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final. Their semi‑final performance featured an impressive century from former England U19 captain Hamza Shaikh, who struck 104 off 109 balls—his second hundred of the tournament. Shaikh’s innings was supported by Nick Kelly, who added a valuable fifty, forming a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket.
On the bowling side, Leicestershire’s 19‑year‑old paceman Alex Green shone, claiming four wickets for 40 runs as the Outlaws were bowled out for 280. The upcoming final promises a compelling contest between a Middlesex side riding the wave of a remarkable comeback and a Leicestershire team buoyed by strong batting performances and effective pace bowling. Both teams will be eager to claim the coveted Metro Bank One‑Day Cup, ending a season filled with dramatic twists and memorable individual displays. For cricket enthusiasts, the full scorecards from today’s matches are available, and fans can stay updated on live cricket coverage on Sky Sports, follow the network via WhatsApp, or stream matches without a contract.
The semi‑finals have set the stage for a thrilling climax to the tournament, and the cricketing world will be watching closely as Middlesex aims to break a 36‑year final drought, while Leicestershire looks to capitalize on their recent form and secure the trophy.