In a dramatic semi‑final that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex produced a remarkable recovery to snatch a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final, simultaneously crushing Durham’s hopes of seeing Ben Stokes feature in the championship decider. The match, held at a packed venue, saw Middlesex overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit and secure their first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years, while Durham’s campaign ended in disappointment despite the presence of the former England captain.
The game began with Durham electing to bat first, posting a respectable total of 254 for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted fifty overs. Their innings was anchored by a solid 80‑run knock from all‑rounder Will Rhodes and an unbeaten 71 from the experienced Colin Ackermann, who also contributed three wickets for 46 runs with the ball. However, the most noteworthy moment of Durham’s batting came when Zafar Gohar dismissed Ben Stokes early, taking the prized wicket for 2‑39. Stokes, who managed only six runs before being bowled, could not influence the outcome with the bat, and his later spell with the ball yielded just one wicket for 40 runs in nine overs, the solitary scalp being that of Joshua de Caires, son of former England opener Michael Atherton.
The loss of Stokes’ early wicket and his limited impact thereafter set the tone for a challenging chase. Middlesex’s reply began poorly. By the end of the 31st over, they found themselves precariously placed at 145 for seven, still 110 runs short of the target. The pressure was palpable, and many observers believed the match was slipping away from the home side.
Yet, the tide turned when Luke Hollman, a versatile player known for his calm demeanor under pressure, walked to the crease. Hollman, who had already demonstrated his all‑round capabilities by taking three wickets for 53 runs with his leg‑spin, now turned his attention to the bat. He crafted an unbeaten 83, guiding Middlesex through a crucial partnership with Tom Helm, who contributed 40 runs.
Together, they added 79 runs for the eighth wicket, stabilising the innings and shifting momentum in Middlesex’s favour. The partnership was not just about runs; it was a psychological blow to Durham, who watched their early dominance evaporate. When Helm was eventually dismissed, Hollman continued to dominate, with Noah Cornwell offering steadfast support at the non‑striker’s end. Cornwell, though not a big scorer in this innings, hung around patiently as Hollman methodically accumulated the remaining 31 runs needed for victory.
The final overs were a showcase of composure: Hollman struck the winning runs with eight balls to spare, sealing a two‑wicket win that sent Middlesex roaring into the final and left Durham’s supporters stunned. Beyond the headline‑grabbing comeback, the match featured several other notable performances.
For Middlesex, Zafar Gohar’s two‑wicket haul proved vital, particularly his dismissal of Stokes, which disrupted Durham’s plans. Naavya Sharma also chipped in with two wickets for 40 runs, adding depth to the bowling attack.
On the Durham side, despite the loss, the contributions of Rhodes and Ackermann highlighted the team’s resilience and talent. The semi‑final also underscored the importance of lower‑order batting in limited‑overs cricket, as Hollman’s innings demonstrated how a single player can alter the course of a game through determination and skill. Looking ahead, Middlesex will face Leicestershire in the final scheduled for Sunday, September 20, with the match set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Leicestershire earned their final berth by defending a total of 304, defeating the Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final.
Their victory was propelled by a brilliant century from Hamza Shaikh, a former England U19 captain, who struck 104 off 109 balls – his second hundred of the tournament – and a steady 53 from Nick Kelly, who together forged a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket. Dillon Pennington’s three‑wicket spell (3‑65) helped restrict Durham’s chase, while Alex Green, the 19‑year‑old pace bowler for Leicestershire, delivered a match‑winning spell of 4‑40, bowling out the Outlaws for 280. Nottinghamshire’s effort, though ultimately falling short, featured a fighting 64 from Freddie McCann and a solid 54 from Haseeb Hameed.
Their innings lacked a defining partnership that could have turned the tide, and a crucial run‑out of McCann further diminished their chances. Nonetheless, their performance demonstrated the competitive spirit that characterises the One‑Day Cup. The semi‑finals have set the stage for an exciting climax to the tournament.
Middlesex’s dramatic resurgence, anchored by Hollman’s heroics, provides a compelling narrative of underdog triumph, while Leicestershire’s balanced display of batting firepower and disciplined bowling suggests they are well‑prepared for the final challenge. Fans can anticipate a high‑stakes encounter on September 20, with both teams eager to claim the coveted Metro Bank One‑Day Cup trophy. For cricket enthusiasts, the tournament also offers a chance to witness emerging talents like Alex Green and seasoned campaigners such as Ackermann and Rhodes performing on a prominent stage. The final promises to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of limited‑overs cricket, where a single over can change the destiny of a match.
All the latest scorecards, live streaming options, and updates on when cricket will be broadcast on Sky Sports can be accessed through the Sky Sports platform and their WhatsApp service, ensuring fans stay connected to every twist and turn of this thrilling competition.