Ben Stokes Powers Durham to Five-Wicket One-Day Cup Win with Century

Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 108 for Durham on July 21, 2026, in a Metro Bank One-Day Cup match, marking his triumphant return to county cricket. This commanding performance unfolded at the OurCoop County Ground in Derby, marking Stokes’ first match since his international retirement.

His sensational effort secured the win with five balls to spare, chasing Derbyshire’s challenging total of 256 for 9. This wasn’t, as some headlines might suggest, The Hundred’s opening night, but rather a compelling display in the traditional 50-over format.

Stokes lights up county cricket return with masterful hundred

Ben Stokes anchored Durham’s chase after they stumbled early, losing two wickets for just 24 runs in the ninth over. His innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression, facing 123 balls and hitting 10 boundaries and three towering sixes.

It was his 10th List A century and his first for Durham since 2014, showcasing his enduring quality despite battling a visible leg problem that restricted his movement. His presence alone ignited an atmosphere far removed from a standard county fixture.

Dual contribution with bat and ball

Beyond his batting prowess, Stokes also contributed significantly with the ball. He bowled nine overs, conceding only 38 runs, proving his worth as an all-rounder. This dual contribution was vital in restricting Derbyshire’s scoring.

The pitch at the OurCoop County Ground was reportedly not the easiest to score quickly on, which made both Stokes’ century and his economical bowling spell all the more impressive. His ability to perform under duress was clear for all to see.

Andersson’s century leads Derbyshire’s effort

Derbyshire had set a challenging target thanks to a magnificent century from Martin Andersson, who compiled 112 runs out of their 256 for 9 total. Andersson reached his fifty off 58 balls, including a six off Kasey Aldridge, building a solid foundation for his side.

He shared a crucial 112-run stand from 143 balls with Guest before George Drissell dismissed Guest. Despite Andersson’s efforts and a 55-run partnership with Wayne Madsen, Derbyshire experienced a late collapse, losing three wickets for just six runs, including Andersson himself in the 46th over.

Battling injury, Stokes seals memorable victory

Stokes’ journey to his century was not without its trials, particularly his ongoing struggle with a leg injury. He began his innings watchfully, facing 28 balls before hitting his first boundary, a testament to Derbyshire’s tight bowling early on.

He forged a vital 74-run partnership with Rhodes, which ended when Rhodes was dismissed by Jack Morley. A significant moment came when Stokes reached his fifty, immediately collapsing and requiring treatment for a left leg injury.

Despite this setback, his determination shone through, lofting Anuj Dal for six and later driving Shoaib Bashir for two more maximums. Even with restricted movement, struggling to run between the wickets, he completed his hundred off 116 balls and, with Aldridge, took Durham to a memorable victory.

Distinguishing Stokes’ heroics from The Hundred’s opening night

It’s crucial to clarify the context of Ben Stokes’ recent performance, as it didn’t occur during the opening night of The Hundred. His match-winning century for Durham took place in the One-Day Cup on July 21, 2026. The actual inaugural opening night of The Hundred, a 100-ball tournament, unfolded on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.

That historic evening featured a women’s match between the Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals at the Kia Oval in London. It was a landmark event, being the first time a major UK team sporting event launched its men’s and women’s competitions simultaneously and headlined by a women’s match.

The Hundred’s trailblazing debut

The 2021 opening night achieved record viewership for women’s cricket in the UK, drawing a peak audience of 1.95 million across BBC Two and Sky Sports. Sanjay Patel, Managing Director of The Hundred, hailed it as a “thrilling match” with “record figures watching at home.”

Beth Barrett-Wild, Head of The Hundred Women’s Competition, also highlighted its significance, calling it “a historic moment, not just for cricket and women’s cricket, but more widely for sport.” The match garnered over 11,000 new ticket sales in a 24-hour period, underlining its immediate impact and popularity.

Ben Stokes and his involvement in The Hundred

While Ben Stokes didn’t feature in The Hundred’s inaugural opening game, he is a prominent player within the competition. He plays for the Northern Superchargers and was confirmed to feature in the fourth season of The Hundred in 2024.

Stokes was available for four matches after England’s Test series against West Indies Men. Known as England’s talismanic all-rounder, his participation always adds significant star power and excitement to the tournament.

Broader implications for Stokes and English cricket

Ben Stokes’ impactful return to county cricket carries significant weight for English cricket, even after his retirement from the international game. His ability to produce match-winning innings, especially under physical duress, reaffirms his status as one of the sport’s most compelling figures.

This century not only propelled Durham to a crucial win in the One-Day Cup but also demonstrated that his competitive fire burns as brightly as ever. For Durham, having a player of Stokes’ calibre provides an immense boost in both performance and profile, drawing larger crowds and offering invaluable experience for younger players.

His successful comeback innings suggests a refreshed and focused athlete, ready to contribute meaningfully at the county level. Stokes’ continued involvement in competitions like the One-Day Cup and The Hundred ensures that fans across the country still get to witness one of the game’s greats in action, albeit in a different capacity than his celebrated international career.