Middlesex Defeats Durham by Two Wickets to Reach First List A Final Since 1990

In a thrilling encounter at Radlett, Middlesex overcame Durham by two wickets, securing their place in a List A final for the first time since 1990. Luke Hollman was the star of the show, contributing both with the ball and bat, taking 3 for 53 before scoring an unbeaten 83 runs to steer Middlesex to victory.

Chasing a target of 255, Middlesex found themselves in a precarious position at 145 for 7. However, Hollman illuminated the match with a brilliant innings, smashing a six and 11 fours, including the winning boundary with eight balls to spare. Colin Ackermann also played a crucial role with the ball, taking 3 for 46.

Earlier, Durham posted a total of 254 for 7, bolstered by Will Rhodes, who made 80 runs, and Colin Ackermann, who remained not out on 71. Hollman’s legspin kept Durham on their toes, as he secured two caught-and-bowled dismissals in his impressive bowling performance.

Middlesex’s bowling attack saw Naavya Sharma and Zafar Gohar claim two wickets each. Sharma struck early, sending Alex Lees back to the pavilion, caught behind by Joe Cracknell. Despite this early setback, Rhodes and Ben McKinney, who hit the game’s first six, worked in tandem to form a steady partnership. McKinney’s contribution of 45 came to an end when he was dismissed by Gohar, skying a catch to square leg.

David Bedingham helped maintain the momentum, but Hollman interrupted Durham’s flow by dismissing him shortly thereafter. The match turned controversial when Ben Stokes was adjudged caught behind off Gohar, a decision that left him visibly frustrated.

At 136 for 4, Durham appeared at risk of falling short, but Ackermann displayed excellent form with a run-a-ball 50. Hollman’s return to the attack eventually saw him dismiss both Rhodes and Ollie Robinson, the latter taken in a spectacular diving catch.

As Middlesex began their chase, Stokes replied by dismissing Josh De Caires with a lifting delivery. The match intensified as Caleb Falconer and Nathan Fernandes teamed up for a counterattack, but both fell shortly after their partnership, with Fernandes out to Ackermann’s off-spin.

With Middlesex struggling at 145 for 7, Hollman’s resilience shone through as he reached 50 off 68 deliveries. Despite Helm’s dismissal with 31 runs still needed, Hollman continued to chip away at the target. In a grand finale, he swept the ball to fine leg, clinching a vital win for Middlesex and etching this match into the club’s history.

Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn