Two run outs in two overs ended Durham's attempts to reach a target of 302 in 70 overs against Middlesex at Chester-le-Street.

Fourth-wicket pair Paul Collingwood and Nicky Peng had got the target down to 133 in 23 overs when their stand of 51 was ended.

Collingwood called his partner for a suicidal single to short fine leg and Peng was well beaten by Stephen Fleming's throw to the non-striker's end.

Then Ben Hutton's direct hit from square leg narrowly beat Collingwood, who departed for 59, and at 173 for five Durham put safety first.

Middlesex thought they had Danny Law caught at the wicket first ball, but he survived to make 36 not out and they closed on 226 for six.

Resuming on 83 for one, Middlesex added 106 in 23.3 overs in the morning before declaring on 189 for four. Owais Shah continued to bat beautifully until he was run out for 88, made off 89 balls, giving him a match aggregate of 278 runs.

Durham had to bat for five overs before lunch and they lost skipper Jon Lewis, whose leg stump was removed by Tim Bloomfield in a lively ten-over spell in which he took one for 26, despite being hit for five fours in three overs by Martin Love.

The Queenslander gave Durham hope, but he was stumped for 31 off Phil Tufnell, which proved to be the spinner's only wicket.

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