In a dramatic semi‑final that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex pulled off an astonishing comeback to deny Durham and England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a place in the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup final. The match, played under the bright lights of a packed stadium, saw Middlesex recover from a precarious position to secure their first appearance in a List‑A final in 36 years, while Durham’s hopes were dashed despite a solid total. The game began with Durham electing to bat first, a decision that seemed sensible given the quality of their top order.
They posted a respectable 254 for 7, thanks largely to a composed 80 from Will Rhodes and an unbeaten 71 from Colin Ackermann, who also proved to be a threat with the ball, taking three wickets for 46 runs. Ben Stokes, the former England captain, contributed a modest six runs before being dismissed, a performance that fell short of the expectations that usually surround his name in knockout cricket. When Durham’s innings concluded, Middlesex faced a target of 255 runs in 50 overs – a daunting chase on any day. The early overs were a mixed bag, but the middle order soon found themselves in deep trouble.
By the end of the 31st over, Middlesex were 145 for 7, teetering on the brink of a heavy defeat. Their wickets had fallen at regular intervals, and the required run rate was climbing steadily. Colin Ackermann, who had been effective with the ball earlier, turned his attention to his batting, but the pressure was mounting. Enter Luke Hollman, the home‑grown all‑rounder who would become the catalyst for the turnaround.
Hollman, already known for his calm demeanor under pressure, began to steady the ship with a composed and aggressive approach. He built a crucial partnership of 79 runs for the eighth wicket with Tom Helm, who contributed a quick‑fire 40. This stand shifted the momentum, as Middlesex began to chip away at the deficit, turning the chase into a realistic proposition.
The partnership was not just about runs; it was about belief. Hollman's unbeaten 83, scored without losing his wicket, showcased a blend of technique and power hitting that left the crowd on its feet. As the overs ticked down, the required run rate fell, and Middlesex found themselves within striking distance of the target.
Noah Cornwell, though contributing only a single run, provided the necessary support by staying at the crease and allowing Hollman to take the final 31 runs needed for victory. With eight balls remaining, Hollman struck the winning runs, sealing a memorable two‑wicket win for Middlesex.
Middlesex’s victory was not solely the result of Hollman’s heroics. The team’s bowlers had also set the stage by restricting Durham to a manageable total. Zafar Gohar claimed two wickets for 39 runs, including the prized wicket of Stokes, while Naavya Sharma added two for 40.
On the other side of the ball, Stokes managed to take one wicket for 40 runs in his nine overs, dismissing Joshua de Caires, the son of former England captain Michael Atherton, with his third delivery. However, his bowling could not turn the tide, and Durham’s batting dominance remained unchallenged. With the semi‑final concluded, Middlesex earned the right to face Leicestershire in the final, scheduled for Sunday, September 20, and to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Leicestershire had earned their spot by defending a total of 304, beating the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final. Their innings featured a brilliant 104 from Hamza Shaikh, a former England U19 captain, who struck his second century of the competition off 109 balls. Shaikh’s knock was supported by a solid 53 from Nick Kelly, and together they forged a 117‑run partnership for the fourth wicket.
Dillon Pennington’s three wickets for 65 runs also played a pivotal role in limiting the Outlaws. Leicestershire’s bowling attack, highlighted by 19‑year‑old Alex Green’s four‑wicket haul for 40 runs, bowled out the Outlaws for 280, securing their place in the final. Meanwhile, the Notts Outlaws, despite a fighting effort from Freddie McCann (64) and Haseeb Hameed (54), fell short, lacking a substantial partnership that could have altered the outcome.
McCann’s run‑out proved to be a turning point, further diminishing their chances. The upcoming final promises to be a clash of contrasting styles: Middlesex, buoyed by a historic comeback and a young all‑rounder in Hollman, versus Leicestershire, powered by Shaikh’s explosive batting and Green’s youthful pace. Both teams will be looking to capitalize on the momentum gained from their semi‑final victories. For cricket fans, the final offers an opportunity to witness high‑stakes limited‑overs cricket at its finest.
The match will be streamed live, with Sky Sports providing extensive coverage, analysis, and post‑match interviews. Fans can also stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp service and enjoy streaming options that require no long‑term contracts. In summary, Middlesex’s remarkable resurgence from 145‑7 to a victorious finish not only secured a place in the One‑Day Cup final but also ended a 36‑year drought of List‑A final appearances for the club.
Their victory underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout cricket, where a single partnership can rewrite the narrative. As the final approaches, both Middlesex and Leicestershire will aim to deliver a spectacular showcase of skill, strategy, and determination, promising an unforgettable conclusion to the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup.