In a thrilling semi‑final clash that will be remembered for years to come, Middlesex produced a sensational comeback to eliminate Durham from the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup and secure a place in the final for the first time in 36 years. The victory not only snatched a coveted final berth from the hands of the defending champions but also denied England all‑rounder Ben Stokes a chance to feature in the tournament’s culminating match. The match began with Durham electing to bat first, posting a respectable total of 254 for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
The innings was anchored by a steady 80 from Will Rhodes and an unbeaten 71 by Colin Ackermann, who also claimed three wickets for 46 runs with the ball. However, the most notable dismissal came when Zafar Gohar removed Stokes for a modest six runs, ending the England star’s contribution early.
Stokes did manage to pick up a wicket with the ball – Joshua de Caires, the son of former England captain Michael Atherton – finishing with figures of 1 for 40 from nine overs, but his impact on the game was limited. When Middlesex began their chase, the situation looked bleak. By the end of the 31st over they were wobbling at 145 for 7, still 110 runs short of the target and with only three wickets in hand.
The pressure was mounting, and many observers expected a comfortable win for Durham. Yet, the tide turned dramatically thanks to an extraordinary innings from Luke Hollman. The home‑grown leg‑spinner, who had already made a mark with three wickets for 53 runs, stepped up with the bat and produced an unbeaten 83.
His innings was a masterclass in composure and power hitting, and it anchored a crucial 79‑run partnership for the eighth wicket with Tom Helm, who contributed a quick‑fire 40. The partnership not only stabilized the innings but also shifted momentum firmly onto Middlesex’s side.
As the overs ticked down, the pair methodically chipped away at the required runs, with Hollman taking the lead and Helm providing valuable support. When Helm was eventually dismissed, Hollman continued to dominate, guiding the team to the finish line with a series of confident boundaries. The final 31 runs were secured with eight balls to spare, sealing a two‑wicket victory that sent Middlesex through to the final and left Durham’s hopes of a championship run shattered.
The semi‑final also featured noteworthy performances from the opposition. For Durham, Zafar Gohar’s two‑wicket haul, which included the prized wicket of Stokes, and Naavya Sharma’s two for 40 helped keep the total competitive.
On the Middlesex side, besides Hollman’s batting heroics, the bowling unit performed admirably. Hollman’s leg spin, coupled with the disciplined efforts of his fellow bowlers, kept Durham’s scoring in check throughout the innings.
Looking ahead, Middlesex will now face Leicestershire in the final scheduled for Sunday, September 20, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Leicestershire earned their final berth by defending a total of 304 runs, beating the Notts Outlaws by 23 runs in the other semi‑final.
Their campaign was highlighted by a scintillating 104 from former England U19 captain Hamza Shaikh, who struck his second century of the tournament 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. On the bowling front, Alex Green, the 19‑year‑old pace sensation for Leicestershire, claimed four wickets for 40 runs, playing a pivotal role in restricting the Outlaws to 280. The final promises to be a compelling encounter, pitting a rejuvenated Middlesex side, buoyed by Hollman’s all‑round brilliance, against a Leicestershire team that has demonstrated both batting depth and bowling firepower throughout the competition.
Fans can anticipate a high‑octane showdown as both teams vie for the coveted Metro Bank One‑Day Cup trophy. For cricket enthusiasts eager to follow the action, Sky Sports will provide live coverage of the final, and updates will be available across the network’s digital platforms, including WhatsApp notifications and streaming services without a contract.
The tournament has already delivered memorable moments, from dramatic comebacks to individual centuries, and the concluding match is set to cap off an unforgettable season of English one‑day cricket. In summary, Middlesex’s remarkable recovery from a near‑certain defeat, driven by Luke Hollman’s unbeaten 83 and a vital partnership with Tom Helm, has not only secured them a historic final appearance after a 36‑year hiatus but also denied Ben Stokes and Durham the chance to contest the championship. The stage is now set for a thrilling finale against Leicestershire, promising cricket fans an exciting climax to the 2026 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup.