In a thrilling semi‑final clash that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex delivered a jaw‑dropping comeback to eliminate Durham from the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup and deny England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a place in the championship decider. The match, played at Middlesex’s home ground, saw the visitors set a target of 255 runs, a total that seemed comfortably within reach for Durham.
However, the tide turned dramatically when Middlesex, teetering at 145 for 7 after 31 overs, mounted an extraordinary recovery spearheaded by a brilliant unbeaten 83 from Luke Holliman. This innings, paired with crucial contributions from the lower order, propelled Middlesex to a narrow two‑wicket victory, securing their first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years. Durham won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to post a formidable total that would put pressure on the home side.
Opening the innings, they got off to a steady start, but wickets began to tumble at regular intervals. The most notable bowler for Middlesex, Colin Ackermann, made an impact with figures of 3 for 46, keeping Durham’s scoring in check. In the end, Durham posted 254 for 7, with Stokes contributing a modest six runs before being dismissed. The former England captain also bowled nine overs, returning figures of 1 for 40, taking the wicket of Joshua de Caires, the son of former England batsman Michael Atherton, with his third delivery.
Despite his effort, Stokes was unable to turn the game in Durham’s favour. When Middlesex began their chase, the required run rate was manageable, but early wickets quickly put them under strain.
At the 31‑over mark, they found themselves 145 for 7, still needing 110 runs with only three wickets remaining. It was at this juncture that Luke Holliman, a talented all‑rounder, stepped up. Displaying a blend of composure and aggression, he crafted a masterful unbeaten innings of 83, anchoring the chase.
Holliman’s partnership with Tom Helm was pivotal; the two added 79 runs for the eighth wicket, with Helm contributing a quick‑fire 40. Their stand steadied the innings and shifted momentum back towards Middlesex. The final phase of the chase saw Holliman continue his assault, guiding the side to the finish line with eight balls to spare. Noah Cornwell, though scoring only a single run, provided the necessary support by staying at the crease while Holliman accumulated the remaining 31 runs needed for victory.
The home crowd erupted as Middlesex clinched the win by two wickets, a margin that underscored the fine line between triumph and defeat. Beyond the heroics of Holliman, Middlesex’s bowlers also left their mark on the game.
Holliman himself contributed with the ball, delivering leg‑spin that yielded 3 for 53, showcasing his all‑round capabilities. Zafar Gohar claimed 2 for 39, including the crucial wicket of Ben Stokes, while Naavya Sharma added 2 for 40, further tightening Durham’s batting effort. The result set up a final showdown between Middlesex and Leicestershire, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, and to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Leicestershire earned their place in the final by defending a total of 304, edging out the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final.
Their semi‑final performance featured a standout innings from Hamza Shaikh, a former England U19 captain, who smashed 104 off 109 balls – his second century of the tournament – alongside a solid contribution from Nick Kelly, who added 53 runs in a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket. Dillon Pennington’s 3 for 65 helped restrict the opposition, while young pace bowler Alex Green shone with a 4 for 40 spell, dismantling the Outlaws for 280. Leicestershire’s journey to the final has been marked by a blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, qualities they will need to replicate against a rejuvenated Middlesex side that has demonstrated resilience under pressure. Middlesex, on the other hand, will look to build on the confidence gained from their comeback, with Luke Holliman’s all‑round performance serving as a catalyst for the team’s belief.
The semi‑final also highlighted the broader narrative of the One‑Day Cup, where emerging talents and seasoned professionals alike have vied for supremacy. Players such as Will Rhodes, who posted 80 runs for Durham, and Ackermann, who remained unbeaten on 71, have shown that the tournament remains a fertile ground for showcasing skill and temperament.
Meanwhile, the performances of younger players like Alex Green and Hamza Shaikh suggest a promising future for English domestic cricket. As the final approaches, fans can anticipate a contest that pits Middlesex’s fighting spirit against Leicestershire’s balanced lineup. The match will not only determine the champion of the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup but also provide a platform for players to cement their reputations ahead of the upcoming international season.
Sky Sports will broadcast the climax, offering cricket enthusiasts worldwide a chance to witness high‑stakes, high‑quality limited‑overs cricket. In summary, Middlesex’s dramatic rescue from the brink of defeat, driven by Luke Holliman’s unbeaten 83 and supported by crucial lower‑order contributions, has secured them a historic final appearance after a 36‑year hiatus. Their victory has also ended Ben Stokes’ aspirations of leading Durham to the final, despite his modest personal contributions with both bat and ball.
The stage is now set for an exciting finale against Leicestershire, promising a showcase of talent, strategy, and the unpredictable excitement that defines one‑day cricket.