Durham vs Middlesex 2nd Semi-Final ODI Match Prediction 2026
The Durham vs Middlesex prediction for the second semi-final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 points towards a highly competitive knockout contest. Middlesex have been the strongest team in Group B, winning seven of their eight matches and finishing at the top of the table. Durham, meanwhile, finished third but produced an emphatic 162-run victory over Lancashire in the quarter-final to earn their place in the last four. The semi-final will be played on Sunday, August 16, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the England Domestic One Day Cup final.
Middlesex have enjoyed remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Their only group-stage defeat came against Worcestershire, while seven victories demonstrated the depth of their squad. Josh De Caires has been their leading run-scorer with 376 runs, while Nathan Fernandes, Joe Cracknell and Ben Geddes have also passed 300 runs. Cracknell comes into this match after producing a magnificent 128 in Middlesex’s previous game against Sussex. Their bowling unit has also performed strongly, with Naavya Sharma and Noah Cornwell both taking 15 wickets.
Durham have had a less consistent group campaign, winning five of their eight matches, but their quarter-final performance was outstanding. They scored 349/8 against Lancashire before bowling their opponents out for 187. David Bedingham scored 104, while Ollie Robinson added 76. Shafiqullah Ghafari then claimed four wickets to complete a dominant victory. Will Rhodes has been Durham’s leading run-scorer with 335 runs and has also contributed 13 wickets.
Ben Stokes provides valuable experience and all-round ability, while Alex Lees and Ollie Robinson add further batting strength. The head-to-head record favours Middlesex, who have won the last three meetings after Durham won the first. Middlesex also defeated Durham by three wickets earlier this season while chasing 304.
However, Durham’s huge quarter-final victory gives them considerable momentum. Both teams have recently demonstrated the ability to score more than 340, suggesting that another high-scoring contest could be possible. Middlesex have the better tournament record, but Durham possess experienced players capable of deciding a knockout match. Based on the supplied figures, the Durham vs Middlesex prediction is Durham to win this semi-final and progress to the final.
- Middlesex won seven of their eight Group B matches.
- Durham defeated Lancashire by 162 runs in the quarter-final.
- Will Rhodes has scored 335 runs and taken 13 wickets for Durham.
- Our prediction: Durham to win the second semi-final.
Match Details
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Durham vs Middlesex |
| Match | 2nd Semi-Final ODI |
| Tournament | England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM |
| Venue | Brunton Memorial Ground, Ireland |
| Format | ODI |
| Prediction | Durham to Win |
Middlesex Preview
Middlesex have been the standout team in Group B during the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026. They won seven of their eight group matches and finished comfortably at the top of the points table with a Net Run Rate of +1.659.
Their only defeat during the group stage came against Worcestershire. Apart from that setback, Middlesex produced a remarkably consistent campaign and demonstrated strength with both bat and ball.
Josh De Caires has been their leading run-scorer, collecting 376 runs in eight innings at an average of 53.71. His best performance came against Worcestershire, where he scored 130 from 147 balls.
Nathan Fernandes has also been highly reliable, scoring 336 runs. Joe Cracknell has added 317 runs, while Ben Geddes has contributed 312.
Cracknell enters the semi-final with excellent confidence after producing 128 from 112 deliveries in Middlesex’s previous match against Sussex. His innings included 16 fours and four sixes.
Ben Geddes has also provided an attacking option in the middle order. He has scored 312 runs at an average of 44.57 and has hit 16 sixes during the competition.
Middlesex have demonstrated impressive lower-order hitting as well. Aaryan Sawant scored 25 from 14 balls against Sussex, while Eathan Bosch smashed 33 from only 10 deliveries.
Their bowling attack has been equally important.
Noah Cornwell has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 21.13. Naavya Sharma has also taken 15 wickets and has produced two four-wicket hauls.
Zafar Gohar has contributed 10 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 4.85. Luke Hollman has taken eight wickets in four matches.
Middlesex therefore have several bowling options capable of controlling different stages of the innings.
Their previous meeting with Durham also gives them confidence. Middlesex successfully chased 304 to defeat Durham by three wickets earlier in the season.
The biggest advantage for Middlesex is their consistency. They have produced strong performances throughout the group stage and have already demonstrated that they can beat Durham.
However, they will face a Durham side full of confidence after a huge quarter-final victory.
Key Players
- Josh De Caires: 376 runs.
- Joe Cracknell: 317 runs and 128 in the previous match.
- Ben Geddes: 312 runs and 16 sixes.
- Noah Cornwell: 15 wickets.
Middlesex Squad
Josh de Caires, Nathan Fernandes, Ben Geddes (C), Joe Cracknell (WK), Luke Hollman, Aaryan Sawant, Naavya Sharma, Zafar Gohar, Eathan Bosch, Sebastian Morgan, Noah Cornwell.
Middlesex Probable Playing XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh de Caires | Batter |
| 2 | Nathan Fernandes | Batter |
| 3 | Ben Geddes (C) | Batter |
| 4 | Joe Cracknell (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 5 | Luke Hollman | All-rounder |
| 6 | Aaryan Sawant | Batter |
| 7 | Naavya Sharma | Bowler |
| 8 | Zafar Gohar | Bowler |
| 9 | Eathan Bosch | All-rounder |
| 10 | Sebastian Morgan | Bowler |
| 11 | Noah Cornwell | Bowler |
Durham Preview
Durham finished third in Group B after winning five of their eight matches. Although their group-stage campaign was not as consistent as Middlesex’s, they produced one of the most impressive performances of the tournament in the quarter-final.
Durham defeated Lancashire by 162 runs at Emirates Old Trafford.
Batting first, Durham posted a huge 349/8. David Bedingham led the scoring with an excellent 104 from 89 balls, while Ollie Robinson contributed 76 from 57 deliveries.
Ben McKinney and Alex Lees provided a solid platform at the top before Durham accelerated later in the innings.
Kasey Aldridge also played an important finishing role, scoring an unbeaten 27 from 14 balls.
The bowling attack then completed the job.
Shafiqullah Ghafari claimed 4/36 and played a major role in restricting Lancashire to just 187.
Will Rhodes has been Durham’s leading run-scorer during the competition, scoring 335 runs at an average of 55.83.
Alex Lees has accumulated 304 runs, while Ben Stokes and Ollie Robinson have both scored 282.
Stokes has also provided valuable all-round contributions and has taken six wickets.
Will Rhodes has been particularly important because of his contribution with both bat and ball. He has taken 13 wickets and has maintained an economy rate below five.
Shafiqullah Ghafari leads the team’s wicket-taking charts with 15 wickets. Luke Robinson has taken 12, while James Minto has contributed nine.
Durham therefore possess plenty of bowling depth.
The team also has considerable experience. Ben Stokes, Alex Lees, David Bedingham and Ollie Robinson give the side a strong combination of experience and attacking ability.
Their major advantage heading into this semi-final is momentum. The 162-run quarter-final victory showed that Durham can dominate a strong opponent when their batting and bowling units perform together.
Middlesex will be difficult to beat because of their excellent group-stage record, but Durham have enough quality to challenge them.
The key will be another strong performance from their top order and disciplined bowling from Ghafari and Rhodes.
Key Players
- Will Rhodes: 335 runs and 13 wickets.
- David Bedingham: 104 in the quarter-final.
- Ben Stokes: 282 runs and six wickets.
- Shafiqullah Ghafari: 15 wickets.
Durham Squad
Ben McKinney, Alex Lees, Will Rhoades, David Bedingham, Ollie Robinson (WK), Ben Stokes, Colin Ackermann, Kasey Aldridge (C), Shafiqullah Ghafari, Callum Parkinson, Luke Robinson.
Durham Probable Playing XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ben McKinney | Batter |
| 2 | Alex Lees | Batter |
| 3 | Will Rhoades | All-rounder |
| 4 | David Bedingham | Batter |
| 5 | Ollie Robinson (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 6 | Ben Stokes | All-rounder |
| 7 | Colin Ackermann | All-rounder |
| 8 | Kasey Aldridge (C) | All-rounder |
| 9 | Shafiqullah Ghafari | Bowler |
| 10 | Callum Parkinson | Bowler |
| 11 | Luke Robinson | Bowler |
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Durham
Durham are our favourite team for this semi-final despite Middlesex’s stronger group-stage record. The main reason is the momentum they have gained from their outstanding quarter-final performance against Lancashire.
Durham scored 349/8 before bowling Lancashire out for only 187, winning by 162 runs.
David Bedingham scored 104, while Ollie Robinson made 76. Shafiqullah Ghafari then produced an excellent four-wicket haul.
Will Rhodes has also been one of Durham’s most valuable players, scoring 335 runs and taking 13 wickets.
Ben Stokes adds international experience and gives Durham another reliable all-round option.
Middlesex have won seven of eight group matches and defeated Durham earlier in the tournament, so this will not be an easy contest.
However, Durham’s batting depth, bowling variety and recent knockout performance make them our narrow favourites.
Pitch Report
The supplied information does not provide detailed pitch statistics for the venue. However, both teams have recently demonstrated strong scoring ability, with Middlesex and Durham each producing totals above 340 in their previous matches. This suggests that the batters could play an important role in the semi-final. Durham’s top order has excellent depth, while Middlesex also possess several reliable run-scorers. Bowlers will need to maintain discipline and create regular breakthroughs. Spinners such as Zafar Gohar and Callum Parkinson could have an important role during the middle overs. Building partnerships and preserving wickets for the final stages should be crucial.
Weather Report
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Brunton Memorial Ground, Ireland |
| Date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Match Time | 3:30 PM |
| Match | 2nd Semi-Final ODI |
| Conditions | Specific forecast not supplied |
The supplied draft does not provide temperature, rainfall, wind or humidity figures for match day. Therefore, unsupported weather statistics have not been added. Any weather interruption could influence the batting strategy and bowling plans during this knockout encounter.
Broadcast Details
The Durham vs Middlesex second semi-final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, August 16. According to the supplied match details, FanCode is the broadcaster for this contest. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM. Fans following the semi-final can use the listed broadcasting platform for coverage of the knockout fixture.
Toss Prediction
Toss Prediction: Middlesex to win the toss. Middlesex have been the more consistent side throughout the competition, winning seven of their eight group matches. A favourable toss could allow them to make the most of the match conditions and put pressure on Durham early. Durham, however, have demonstrated that they can perform under pressure after their emphatic quarter-final victory over Lancashire. The toss itself will not decide the contest, but the team winning it could gain an early strategic advantage.
Score Prediction
| Team | Predicted Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Durham | 275+ | Strong batting depth and excellent recent scoring form |
| Middlesex | 261+ | Consistent top order and strong tournament batting record |
Durham’s batting unit has recently produced 349/8 against Lancashire, while Middlesex posted 354/8 against Sussex. Both sides therefore have the ability to reach a substantial score if their top order settles in.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
| Category | Player | Team | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Batter | Will Rhodes | Durham | 335 runs and 13 wickets |
| Top Batter | Joe Cracknell | Middlesex | 128 in previous match |
| Key Batter | David Bedingham | Durham | 104 in quarter-final |
| Key Batter | Josh De Caires | Middlesex | 376 tournament runs |
| Top Bowler | Shafiqullah Ghafari | Durham | 15 wickets |
| Top Bowler | Noah Cornwell | Middlesex | 15 wickets |
| Key Bowler | Will Rhodes | Durham | 13 wickets |
| Key Bowler | Zafar Gohar | Middlesex | 10 wickets |
Will Rhodes is one of the most important players in this semi-final because of his contributions in both departments. He has scored 335 runs and taken 13 wickets during the competition.
David Bedingham also deserves attention after his 104 against Lancashire.
For Middlesex, Josh De Caires leads the batting charts with 376 runs, while Joe Cracknell arrives after scoring 128 from 112 balls.
The bowling contest could be equally important. Shafiqullah Ghafari leads Durham with 15 wickets, while Noah Cornwell has also taken 15 wickets for Middlesex.
Zafar Gohar provides Middlesex with an economical spin option, while Will Rhodes gives Durham another reliable all-round bowling choice.
Durham vs Middlesex Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Chances | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Durham | 69% | Strong quarter-final victory, batting depth and recent momentum |
| Middlesex | 31% | Excellent group-stage record and previous win over Durham |
Why Durham Can Win
Durham enter the semi-final after defeating Lancashire by 162 runs.
Their batting lineup produced 349/8, while Shafiqullah Ghafari’s four-wicket haul helped dismiss Lancashire for 187.
Will Rhodes has also contributed heavily with both bat and ball.
Why Middlesex Can Win
Middlesex were the strongest team in Group B, winning seven of eight matches.
They also defeated Durham earlier in the tournament while chasing 304.
Their batting depth, led by Josh De Caires, Nathan Fernandes and Joe Cracknell, makes them a major threat.
Durham vs Middlesex Match Prediction
Durham are predicted to beat Middlesex in the second semi-final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026. Middlesex have been the more consistent team throughout the group stage, winning seven of eight matches, and they also defeated Durham earlier this season. However, Durham’s emphatic 162-run quarter-final victory over Lancashire has given them excellent momentum. Will Rhodes, David Bedingham and Shafiqullah Ghafari could prove decisive. Our prediction is Durham to win and qualify for the final.
Match Winner: Durham
Winning Chances: Durham 69% | Middlesex 31%
Toss Prediction: Middlesex
Score Prediction: Durham 275+ | Middlesex 261+
Top Batter: Will Rhodes
Top Bowler: Shafiqullah Ghafari
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Legal Disclaimer: All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Cricketwebs does not promote betting or gambling.
