In a dramatic semi‑final clash that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex pulled off a stunning recovery to deny Durham and England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final. The match, held at Durham’s home ground, saw the home side set a target of 255 runs, but Middlesex, after looking destined for a heavy defeat, turned the tables with a composed chase that secured their first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years. Durham won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a respectable total of 254 for seven wickets. The innings was anchored by a solid 80 from Will Rhodes and an unbeaten 71 by Colin Ackermann, who also bowled a tidy spell of 3 for 46 earlier in the game.
However, the biggest surprise came from the former England captain, Ben Stokes, who contributed only six runs to the total. While Stokes managed to claim the wicket of Michael Atherton’s son Joshua de Caires with his third ball, finishing with figures of 1 for 40 from nine overs, his overall impact on the match was limited. When Middlesex began their chase, they stumbled early, finding themselves 145 for 7 at the end of the 31st over.
At that point, the required run rate surged, and a collapse seemed imminent. Yet, the tide began to turn when Luke Hollman, the left‑handed batsman, settled in and produced a magnificent unbeaten 83.
Hollman’s innings was the catalyst for a remarkable partnership with Tom Helm, who added 40 runs for the eighth wicket. Together, they forged a 79‑run stand that shifted the momentum firmly in Middlesex’s favour. The partnership was not just about runs; it was a display of resilience and tactical acumen. Hollman, who also contributed with the ball by taking 3 for 53 with his leg‑spin, demonstrated his all‑round capabilities.
His spin broke through Durham’s middle order, while his batting steadied the ship. As the partnership progressed, the required runs dwindled, and the pressure began to mount on Durham’s bowlers. With the partnership broken, Middlesex still needed 31 runs off the final eight overs. Noah Cornwell, who had not scored in the earlier phases, hung around at the crease, supporting Hollman as he methodically ticked off the remaining runs.
The climax came with eight balls left in the innings, when Hollman struck the winning runs, sealing a two‑wicket victory for Middlesex. The win not only ended Durham’s hopes of reaching the final but also denied Stokes the chance to add another trophy to his illustrious career. On the bowling side, Zafar Gohar was a key figure for Durham, taking 2 for 39, including the crucial wicket of Stokes.
Naavya Sharma also contributed with figures of 2 for 40. Despite these efforts, Durham could not contain the late surge from Middlesex.
Looking ahead, Middlesex will face Leicestershire in the final scheduled for Sunday, 20 September, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Leicestershire earned their spot by defending a total of 304, beating the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final. Their semi‑final performance featured a scintillating century from Hamza Shaikh, who struck 104 off 109 balls – his second hundred of the tournament – and a solid 53 from Nick Kelly, forming a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Dillon Pennington’s three‑wicket haul (3‑65) helped restrict Durham’s chase. Leicestershire’s bowling attack also shone, with 19‑year‑old paceman Alex Green claiming four wickets for 40 runs, helping to bowl out the Outlaws for 280. Although Notts Outlaws showed some resistance, with Freddie McCann scoring 64 and Haseeb Hameed adding 54, they lacked a substantial partnership to chase down the target, and McCann’s run‑out proved a turning point. The semi‑finals have set the stage for an exciting final, pitting Middlesex’s resilient comeback against Leicestershire’s balanced combination of batting firepower and disciplined bowling.
Both teams will be eager to claim the Metro Bank One‑Day Cup, a prestigious trophy in England’s domestic limited‑overs calendar. Fans can look forward to a high‑octane encounter, with Middlesex hoping to capitalize on the momentum generated by Hollman’s heroics, while Leicestershire will aim to replicate the form displayed by Shaikh and Green. In summary, the semi‑final at Durham was a roller‑coaster of emotions: Durham’s solid total, Stokes’s limited contribution, Middlesex’s near‑collapse, and an inspiring recovery led by Luke Hollman.
The outcome not only reshapes the final lineup but also underscores the unpredictable nature of one‑day cricket, where a single partnership can overturn seemingly certain defeat. The final promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and determination as Middlesex and Leicestershire vie for the coveted cup.