Sussex vs Lancashire Match Preview – OneDay Cup, August 15, 2025

Venue: County Ground, Hove
Date & Time: Friday, August 15, 2025 | 11:00 AM GMT
Competition: OneDay Cup, Group B

Match Overview

Sussex and Lancashire are set to clash in a crucial OneDay Cup encounter at the County Ground in Hove. With both teams vying for a strong position in the group stage, this match promises to be an exciting contest of skill, strategy, and nerves.

The County Ground in Hove has historically favored teams opting to field first, with three such wins recorded in the last season. Combined with the expected sunny and clear conditions (26°C), the pitch is likely to be in good nick, offering a balanced contest between bat and ball.

Team Form & Recent Performances

Sussex

• Sussex recently lost to Middlesex, scoring 255 in their innings. Key contributors were Jack Carson (73) and Fynn Hudson-Prentice (58).
• The opening partnership has been a concern for the top-order, with Danial Ibrahim and Tom Haines failing to deliver consistent starts.
• John Simpson has been a reliable performer with the bat, scoring 72 runs in his last two innings.

Lancashire

• Lancashire suffered their first defeat of the tournament at the hands of Yorkshire, posting 294 in response.
• George Balderson has been in fine form, scoring 135 runs in two innings, including two half-centuries.
• Marcus Harris has been the standout performer for Lancashire, with 127 runs in two games, offering a solid foundation for the team.

Head-to-Head

• In their last five meetings, Sussex and Lancashire have split the points, with two wins each. The draw in this head-to-head record adds an extra layer of intrigue to this match.

Playing XIs

Sussex (Predicted)

1. Danial Ibrahim (Batter)
2. Tom Haines (Batter)
3. Tom Clark (Batter)
4. Fynn Hudson-Prentice (Allrounder)
5. John Simpson (c) (Wicketkeeper)
6. Oliver Carter (Batter)
7. Danny Lamb (Allrounder)
8. Jack Carson (Bowler)
9. Archie Lenham (Bowler)
10. Aristides Karvelas (Bowler)
11. Henry Crocombe (Bowler)

Lancashire (Predicted)

1. Michael Jones (Allrounder)
2. George Bell (Wicketkeeper)
3. Josh Bohannon (Batter)
4. Marcus Harris (c) (Batter)
5. Harry Singh (Batter)
6. George Balderson (Allrounder)
7. Arav Shetty (Batter)
8. Ollie Sutton (Bowler)
9. Luke Hands (Bowler)
10. Tom Bailey (Bowler)
11. Charlie Barnard (Bowler)

Key Players to Watch

Sussex

• John Simpson: The captain has been a consistent performer and is expected to anchor the innings with his experience.
• Aristides Karvelas: The pacer has been effective with the ball, taking 5 wickets in three innings, making him a key threat for Lancashire.

Lancashire

• Marcus Harris: The skipper has been in excellent form and will be crucial to setting a competitive total.
• George Balderson: His ability to score quick runs in the middle order could be the difference-maker.

Toss Prediction

With the County Ground's historical inclination towards teams fielding first, and the weather expected to remain favorable for batting, Lancashire are slight favorites to win the toss and choose to field first.

Match Prediction

Lancashire’s recent form and superior batting depth, particularly with the likes of Marcus Harris and George Balderson, give them the edge over Sussex. While Sussex have a balanced squad, the lack of a consistent opening partnership could hurt them.

Prediction: Lancashire to win
Odds: 1.65 (Batery)

Betting Tips

• Sussex Opening Partnership to be Under 26.5: 1.87
• Lancashire Opening Partnership to be Over 25.5: 1.87
• Lancashire to have a better opening partnership than Sussex: High probability due to stronger top-order.
• Sussex to score low before first dismissal: 1.87

Final Thoughts

This match is set to be a tight and thrilling contest, with both teams having the firepower to post competitive totals. However, Lancashire’s superior form and key performers give them a slight edge. The toss will be crucial, and whoever wins it and makes the right call could well go on to claim the three points.

Lancashire to Win – 1.65 (Batery)
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