In a dramatic semi‑final that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex pulled off an extraordinary comeback to deny Durham and England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final. The victory not only secured Middlesex’s first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years but also highlighted the depth of talent across the county circuit and the unpredictable nature of limited‑overs cricket. 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 proved to be a potent bowler later on, claiming three wickets for 46 runs. Ben Stokes, who had been expected to make a significant impact given his stature in the game, contributed a modest six runs before being dismissed. His limited contribution with the bat was a surprise, but he did manage to claim a wicket with the ball – the dismissal of Joshua de Caires, the son of former England captain Michael Atherton – finishing with figures of one for 40 from nine overs. Despite this, Stokes was unable to turn the tide for Durham in the later stages of the game.
When Middlesex began their chase, the situation looked bleak. By the end of the 31st over they were 145 for seven, still needing 110 more runs to reach the target of 255. The pressure was mounting, and many observers thought the match was slipping away from the home side. However, the tide began to turn when Luke Holliman, the left‑handed batsman, settled in and produced a masterful unbeaten 83.
His innings was a blend of patience and aggression, and he carefully built partnerships that steadied the innings. A crucial 79‑run stand for the eighth wicket with Tom Helm, who contributed 40 runs, shifted the momentum firmly in Middlesex’s favor.
The partnership not only added vital runs but also exhausted the Durham bowlers, who struggled to find breakthroughs. As the partnership progressed, the required run rate began to fall, and confidence grew among the Middlesex camp. When Helm was eventually dismissed, Holliman continued to dominate, and with the support of lower‑order batsman Noah Cornwell, who remained not out, they managed to chase down the remaining 31 runs with eight balls to spare. This remarkable finish secured a two‑wicket victory for Middlesex and sent them through to the final.
Beyond the headline‑grabbing performances, the match featured several notable contributions. Zafar Gohar, representing Durham, claimed two wickets for 39 runs, including the prized wicket of Stokes, while Naavya Sharma added two for 40. On the Middlesex side, Holliman also proved his all‑round capabilities, taking three wickets for 53 runs with his leg‑spin, a performance that complemented his batting heroics.
The semi‑final win set up a final showdown between Middlesex and Leicestershire, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Leicestershire earned their place in the final by defending a total of 304, edging out the Nottinghamshire Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final.
Their victory was anchored by a spectacular century from Hamza Shaikh, a former England U19 captain, who smashed 104 off 109 balls – his second hundred of the tournament. Shaikh’s innings was supported by a steady 53 from Nick Kelly, and together they forged a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket. Dillon Pennington contributed three wickets for 65 runs, while the young pace bowler Alex Green shone with figures of four for 40, helping to bowl out the Outlaws for 280.
Leicestershire’s path to the final highlighted their balanced squad, blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent. Their bowlers displayed a mix of pace and swing, while their batsmen showed the ability to construct innings under pressure.
The final promises to be a compelling contest, pitting Middlesex’s resilient chase against Leicestershire’s strong batting lineup. For cricket fans, the semi‑final provided a reminder of why the One‑Day Cup remains a beloved competition in England’s domestic calendar. It showcased the drama of a low‑scoring chase, the importance of middle‑order partnerships, and the impact a single player can have when they rise to the occasion.
Luke Holliman’s unbeaten 83 will be remembered as one of the finest innings in a high‑pressure chase, and his dual role with the ball underscores the value of genuine all‑rounders in limited‑overs cricket. Looking ahead, Middlesex will need to build on this momentum and refine their strategies for the final.
Their bowlers will have to contain Leicestershire’s top order, particularly Shaikh, who has proven he can dominate a innings. Meanwhile, Leicestershire will be eager to replicate the composure they displayed in the semi‑final, especially when defending totals. Both teams have shown they can handle pressure, and the final is set to be a showcase of skill, tactics, and the unyielding spirit that defines one‑day cricket. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, and the match will also be available for streaming without a contract, ensuring that supporters across the country can follow the drama as it unfolds.
The final will not only determine the champion of the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup but also provide a platform for players like Holliman, Shaikh, and others to cement their reputations on a national stage.