Leicestershire vs Derbyshire Match Preview – OneDay Cup 2025, August 20, 2025

Venue: Grace Road, Leicester
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – 11:00 AM GMT (3:30 PM IST)
Format: OneDay Cup (Group A)
Series: England Domestic OneDay Cup 2025

Match Preview

Leicestershire Foxes will look to reignite their campaign as they host Derbyshire Falcons in an intriguing OneDay Cup clash at Grace Road, Leicester on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. With the hosts currently sitting at two wins from five games and the visitors at just one win from four, this match promises to be a crucial encounter in the race for a semi-final berth.

Leicestershire will be buoyed by the return of key all-rounder Alex Green, who has been one of the most consistent performers in the tournament with 11 wickets and two five-wicket hauls already. His presence in the side is expected to bolster the hosts' bowling attack, especially after they lost some momentum in their previous outing. Batsmen like Shan Masood, who leads the run-getters' list with 272 runs in five innings at an average of 54.40, and Peter Handscomb, who has already struck a century this season, will be vital for Leicestershire's chase for a strong total.

Derbyshire, on the other hand, will be banking on Caleb Jewell, who has been in scintillating form with 208 runs in three innings at an average of 69.33. However, their reliance on a single batsman has been a concern, and they will need more contributions from the middle and lower order to post a competitive total. With the ball, Ben Aitchison has been a consistent threat, but the rest of the attack will need to step up if Derbyshire are to upset the hosts.

Head-to-Head & Toss Trends

In the last five matches played at Grace Road, teams have consistently won the toss and opted to bowl first. While the chasing side has won two of those games, teams batting first have claimed victory in three. Given the early cloud cover, which could aid swing bowling, the toss could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the match.

Weather Forecast

AccuWeather predicts 97% cloud cover and just a 3% chance of precipitation, indicating that the match will proceed as scheduled without weather interruptions. The overcast conditions are likely to favor the pace bowlers early in the game, making the toss a crucial factor.

Key Players to Watch

Leicestershire:

• Shan Masood – The veteran opener has been the backbone of the team's batting with 37 fifties and 16 centuries in his List A career.
• Alex Green – A wicket-taking machine with 11 wickets in four innings this season, Green’s return is a significant boost.
• Peter Handscomb (C) – The captain has already scored a century and provides crucial stability in the middle order.

Derbyshire:

• Caleb Jewell – The star batter has been in scintillating form, scoring 208 runs in three innings.
• Ben Aitchison – The left-arm seamer has been the most consistent bowler for Derbyshire this season.
• Brooke Guest – Needs to step up and provide support to Jewell with the bat.

Predicted Playing XI

Leicestershire (11)

1. Ian Holland (All-rounder)
2. Solomon Budinger
3. Shan Masood
4. Peter Handscomb (C)
5. Lewis Hill
6. Alex Green
7. Ben Mike
8. Rishi Patel
9. Tom Scriven
10. Liam Trevaskis
11. Sam Wood

Derbyshire (11)

1. Chris Read (C)
2. Caleb Jewell
3. Brooke Guest
4. Ben Aitchison
5. Harry Came
6. Jamie Overton
7. Will Davis
8. Lewis Gregory
9. David Wiese
10. Tom Kohler-Cadmore
11. Ben Slater

Match Prediction

Leicestershire are the slight favorites going into this clash, with a 61% chance of winning compared to Derbyshire’s 39%. The hosts have a balanced squad with key players in form and the return of Alex Green to add firepower to their bowling attack. Derbyshire, while reliant on Caleb Jewell, will need more contributions from their middle and lower order to compete with the home side.

With the toss likely to be a deciding factor and the weather favoring early swing, the match could be a tight affair. However, Leicestershire’s depth and experience give them the edge.

Match Odds

Betting Tips

• Best Batsman:

  • Shan Masood (Leicestershire) – The experienced opener has a proven track record in limited-overs cricket.
  • Caleb Jewell (Derbyshire) – In sensational form and a key player for his team.

• Best Bowler:

  • Alex Green (Leicestershire) – Already 11 wickets in 4 games with two five-fers.
  • Ben Aitchison (Derbyshire) – The leading wicket-taker for Derbyshire this season.

Final Verdict

Leicestershire to Win – 1.64 (Parimatch)

Leicestershire have the better balance and the return of Alex Green could be the difference. With batsmen in form and a strong bowling attack, the hosts are well-placed to end their two-match losing streak and secure a vital win against Derbyshire.

Let the battle begin at Grace Road!
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