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

Venue: County Ground, Hove
Time: 14:00 GMT
Format: OneDay Cup

Match Context

The OneDay Cup clash between Sussex and Lancashire promises an exciting encounter at the County Ground in Hove. With both teams having a relatively even historical record in their last five head-to-head meetings (2-2), the competition is expected to be intense. However, recent form and key player performances may tip the balance in favor of one side.

Team Analysis

Sussex – Battling for Consistency

Sussex enters this match with a mixed record. Their batting lineup is robust, highlighted by Oliver Carter, who has scored 135 runs in three innings, making him a reliable anchor. However, their recent game against Middlesex was a case of unfulfilled potential, as they posted 255 runs, with Jack Carson (73) and Fynn Hudson-Prentice (58) leading the charge.

Sussex’s bowling attack, featuring Henry Crocombe, Aristides Karvelas, and Danny Lamb, is a potent unit. The opening pair of Danial Ibrahim and Tom Haines has been a concern, averaging mediocrity, which could be a target for Lancashire’s bowlers.

Lancashire – Strong at the Top, with Room for Improvement

Lancashire, on the other hand, has shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly with the bat. George Balderson leads the way for Lancashire, having amassed 135 runs in just two innings. Michael Jones has also been in great form, scoring a century in their recent match against Yorkshire.

However, Lancashire's recent defeat to Yorkshire, despite a healthy total of 294 (Jones 102, Balderson 70), highlights the need for their bowlers to step up. The Lancashire bowling unit, though deep, must find consistency and strike early in the innings.

Key Matchups and Player Watch

• Oliver Carter (Sussex) vs. Luke Hands (Lancashire): Carter’s ability to anchor the innings and rotate the strike will be tested against Lancashire's experienced pacer.
• George Balderson (Lancashire) vs. Henry Crocombe (Sussex): A battle between two all-rounders, both capable of shifting the momentum in their team’s favor.
• Opening Partnerships: Both teams have had issues at the top. Sussex’s Ibrahim and Haines have struggled, while Lancashire’s Jones and Bell have been more consistent. This could be a decisive factor in the match.

Weather and Venue Insights

The match is set to take place under sunny skies, with temperatures expected to be around 26°C. The County Ground in Hove has historically favored teams opting to field first, with three such wins in the last season. This could influence the toss decision and strategy.

Betting and Statistical Insights

• Match Winner Odds:

  • Sussex: 2.25
  • Lancashire: 1.65

• Top Batter Predictions:

  • John Simpson (Sussex): 2.25
  • Marcus Harris (Lancashire): 1.65

• Top Bowler Predictions:

  • Aristides Karvelas (Sussex)
  • Arav Shetty (Lancashire)

• Opening Partnership Predictions:

  • Sussex Opening Partnership Under 26.5: 1.87
  • Lancashire Opening Partnership Over 25.5: 1.87

Match Prediction

Given the current form and recent performances, Lancashire appears to hold a slight edge. Their strong batting unit, combined with the potential of their bowlers to exploit the top order, could prove decisive. If Michael Jones and George Balderson can replicate their recent form and the bowlers deliver under pressure, Lancashire could clinch a convincing victory.

Predicted Winner: Lancashire
Match Odds: 1.65 (Batery)

Final Thoughts

This is a crucial OneDay Cup encounter with both teams looking to gain momentum in the competition. While Sussex has the firepower to win, Lancashire's superior batting depth and better recent results give them the upper hand. The toss could play a pivotal role, and as the pitch at Hove favors the bowling side first, expect a tactical battle from both captains.

Stay tuned for an exciting contest at the County Ground, Hove!