Durham vs Sussex – OneDay Cup Match Preview (2025-08-05)

Date: 5 August 2025
Time: 11:00 GMT
Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
Competition: England Domestic OneDay Cup – Group B
Format: 50 Overs

Match Overview

The 2025 Metro Bank OneDay Cup kicks off with a high-stakes clash at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street as Durham take on Sussex in what promises to be an exciting start to the tournament. Both teams will be eager to make a strong first impression in the group stage, with a win likely to set the tone for the rest of their campaign.

This encounter between two historically competitive county sides is expected to be closely contested, with both teams boasting strong line-ups and recent form that makes them tough opponents.

Team Insights

Durham

Durham enter the tournament with the advantage of home support at the Riverside Ground, a venue they have historically performed well at in limited-overs cricket. Their batting line-up is deep and versatile, featuring the likes of captain Phil Mustard, who has shown his ability to lead from the front in high-pressure situations. The middle order, anchored by the experienced Rob Keates and the explosive Ben Stokes, offers a solid foundation and firepower when needed.

In terms of bowling, Durham have a balanced attack with seamers like Graham Onions and spin options in the form of Charlie Dudson. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and maintain pressure with the ball could be the key to their success in this match.

Durham’s recent performances in the OneDay Cup have been inconsistent, but their home record suggests that they can be a formidable side when given the opportunity to play in familiar conditions.

Sussex

Sussex, on the other hand, arrive in Chester-le-Street with a blend of experience and youth. The side is led by the dynamic captaincy of Chris Liddle, who has been instrumental in guiding Sussex through tight contests. The batting order is well-balanced, with the likes of Luke Wells and Will Beer offering a mix of aggression and technical skill at the top and middle of the order.

Sussex’s bowling attack is arguably their strongest suit, with pace bowlers such as Adam Zampa (though more associated with T20) and the reliable David Wiese (if available) providing a potent threat. The spin department, led by the ever-reliable Matthew Hobden, is also a key asset, especially in the middle overs.

Sussex’s recent form in the OneDay Cup has been encouraging, with a number of tight wins and the ability to chase down challenging totals. Their ability to play long, patient innings and then chase down targets with flair has been a hallmark of their limited-overs strategy.

Pitch and Weather

The Riverside Ground is known for its balanced pitch, generally favoring both bat and ball. The early season conditions are expected to be warm and dry, which could aid the seamers in the early overs. However, the pitch is unlikely to deteriorate significantly, making it a true test of skill for both teams.

Weather forecasts suggest fine and sunny conditions throughout the day, with no threat of rain. This bodes well for a full and uninterrupted contest, and could encourage both teams to play aggressively.

Head-to-Head

In recent OneDay Cup encounters, the two sides have shared the spoils, with each side claiming a couple of wins. However, Durham hold a slight edge in head-to-head records in home games, which could give them a psychological advantage.

Key Players to Watch

• Ben Stokes (Durham) – A match-winner with the bat and a useful all-rounder, Stokes can change the course of the game single-handedly.
• Phil Mustard (Durham) – The experienced captain who can anchor the innings and lead with composure under pressure.
• Chris Liddle (Sussex) – A wicket-keeper and top-order batsman with a knack for scoring crucial runs in the middle overs.
• Matthew Hobden (Sussex) – The spin threat in the middle overs, Hobden’s ability to take wickets and restrict scoring can be a game-changer.

Prediction

This match is expected to be a tight and thrilling encounter. Durham’s home advantage and strong batting line-up could give them the edge, but Sussex’s disciplined bowling and aggressive chase record make them a dangerous side.

Prediction: Durham to win by a narrow margin (by 7-10 runs), with a well-fought contest that highlights the competitive nature of the OneDay Cup.

Conclusion

The opening match of the 2025 OneDay Cup between Durham and Sussex promises to be a thrilling start to the competition. With both teams eager to make a statement, the match at the Riverside Ground is set to showcase the best of county cricket. Fans can expect a high-quality, closely-fought contest that sets the tone for the rest of the tournament.
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