In a dramatic semi‑final that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex produced a remarkable comeback to deny Durham a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final and to keep Ben Stokes out of the championship match. The victory also marked Middlesex’s first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years, a milestone that added extra significance to their thrilling win. The match began with Durham electing to bat first, posting a respectable total of 254 for the loss of seven wickets.
Their innings was anchored by a solid 80 from Will Rhodes and an unbeaten 71 from Colin Ackermann, who also contributed three wickets with the ball. Despite a respectable effort, Stokes, the former England captain, managed only six runs before being dismissed. He later bowled nine overs, taking a solitary wicket – that of Joshua de Caires, the son of former England batsman Michael Atherton – for 40 runs. While his spell was economical, it was not enough to turn the tide in Durham’s favour.
When Middlesex began their chase, the situation looked bleak. By the end of the 31st over, they were 145 for seven, still 110 runs short of the target of 255. Colin Ackermann’s earlier three‑for‑46 spell had put the Middlesex batting line‑up under severe pressure, and many spectators believed the game was slipping away from the home side.
However, the innings took a dramatic turn when Luke Hollman arrived at the crease. Hollman, displaying a blend of composure and aggression, crafted an unbeaten 83 runs. His innings was the cornerstone of a vital 79‑run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tom Helm, who contributed a useful 40 runs.
This partnership shifted the momentum, as the pair methodically chipped away at the required total. As the overs dwindled, Hollman continued to dominate, eventually guiding Middlesex to the finish line with eight balls remaining. He reached the final 31 runs needed for victory, while Noah Cornwell, who made a single run, stayed at the crease to see the win through.
The victory was not just a triumph of individual brilliance; it was a testament to Middlesex’s all‑round capabilities. In addition to Hollman’s batting heroics, he also made a significant impact with the ball, claiming three wickets for 53 runs using his leg‑spin.
Zafar Gohar contributed two wickets for 39 runs, including the crucial dismissal of Stokes, and Naavya Sharma added two for 40. Their combined bowling efforts helped to contain Durham’s total and set the stage for the dramatic chase.
On the other side, Durham’s bowling attack featured a standout performance from Zafar Gohar, who took two wickets for 39 runs, and Naavya Sharma, who also claimed two. Despite these efforts, they could not prevent Middlesex from mounting their comeback. The semi‑final concluded with Middlesex edging out Durham by two wickets, a margin that underscored the nail‑biting nature of the contest. Looking ahead, Middlesex will now face Leicestershire in the final scheduled for Sunday, 20 September, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Leicestershire earned their place in the final after defending a total of 304, beating the Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final. Their semi‑final performance was highlighted by Hamza Shaikh, a former England U‑19 captain, who smashed a century – 104 runs off 109 balls – marking his second hundred of the tournament. Shaikh’s innings was supported by Nick Kelly’s fifty, and together they forged a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Dillon Pennington complemented the batting display with three wickets for 65 runs. Leicestershire’s bowling attack also shone, particularly 19‑year‑old fast bowler Alex Green, who claimed four wickets for 40 runs, helping to bowl out the Outlaws for 280 in response.
Nottinghamshire’s effort, featuring a 64‑run knock from Freddie McCann and a 54‑run contribution from Haseeb Hameed, fell short of the big partnership needed to chase down the target, and a crucial run‑out of McCann proved a turning point. The semi‑finals have set the stage for a compelling final, pitting Middlesex’s resilient comeback against Leicestershire’s balanced side of powerful batting and incisive bowling. Fans can look forward to a high‑stakes encounter, with both teams eager to claim the prestigious Metro Bank One‑Day Cup title. The final promises to deliver more excitement, skill, and drama, as the two sides vie for cricketing glory on a national stage.