LONDON — Middlesex pulled off a record-breaking chase in the One-Day Cup, scoring 390-5 to defeat Durham in a thrilling encounter at Radlett Cricket Club. The victory marked the highest successful run chase in the competition's history, eclipsing the previous record of 372 set by Somerset in 2019.
The match was a run-fest from the start, with Durham posting a formidable 389-7 thanks to centuries from Alex Lees (120) and Graham Clark (115). Middlesex, however, responded with a breathtaking display of batting, led by captain Stephen Eskinazi (146) and Max Holden (103*), who guided their side to an unforgettable win with seven balls to spare.
A Record-Breaking Chase
Middlesex's chase of 390 was nothing short of extraordinary. The home side got off to a flying start, with Eskinazi and Mark Stoneman (67) putting on a 147-run partnership for the first wicket. "We knew it was a big target, but the pitch was flat, and we backed ourselves to go for it," Eskinazi said after the match.
The middle order continued the momentum, with Holden playing a composed innings under pressure. His unbeaten century, coupled with contributions from Jack Davies (42) and Luke Hollman (23*), ensured Middlesex crossed the line in style. "Max was brilliant—he kept his cool and finished the job," Eskinazi added.
Key Moments of the Match
The game was packed with memorable performances and turning points:
- Alex Lees' Dominance: The Durham opener smashed 120 off 109 balls, setting the tone for their massive total.
- Graham Clark's Acceleration: Clark's 115 off 89 deliveries included 12 fours and 4 sixes, pushing Durham past 350.
- Eskinazi's Heroics: The Middlesex skipper anchored the chase with a sublime 146 off 119 balls, including 14 boundaries.
- Holden's Finishing Touch: His unbeaten 103 off 78 balls sealed the historic win.
Other One-Day Cup Results
While Middlesex's record chase stole the headlines, there were also victories for Worcestershire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Surrey in the latest round of matches:
- Worcestershire vs. Glamorgan: Worcestershire won by 45 runs, with Kashif Ali scoring 92.
- Leicestershire vs. Derbyshire: Leicestershire triumphed by 6 wickets, thanks to Rishi Patel's 87.
- Warwickshire vs. Northamptonshire: Warwickshire chased down 290 with ease, led by Rob Yates' 101*.
- Surrey vs. Sussex: Surrey defended 320, with Dan Worrall taking 4-45.
What This Means for the Tournament
Middlesex's victory keeps them in contention for a knockout spot, while Durham will rue their inability to defend such a high total. The One-Day Cup continues to deliver high-scoring thrillers, with batsmen dominating in favorable conditions.
"This is the kind of cricket fans love to see—big runs, close finishes, and records being broken," said former England captain Michael Vaughan in his post-match analysis.
Conclusion
Middlesex's record chase against Durham will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in One-Day Cup history. With the tournament heating up, fans can expect more fireworks as teams battle for a place in the knockout stages.
"We’re just taking it one game at a time, but performances like this give us huge confidence," Eskinazi concluded. The cricketing world will be watching closely to see if Middlesex can maintain this momentum.