Sussex vs Somerset Match Preview – OneDay Cup, 21 August 2025

Date: 21 August 2025
Time: 11:00 GMT
Venue: Hove (Sussex)
Format: OneDay Cup

Match Outlook

The OneDay Cup clash between Sussex and Somerset promises to be an intriguing contest between two sides in contrasting form. Sussex enter the match on the back of two consecutive victories, with strong batting performances led by Charlie Tear and Tom Haines. Somerset, on the other hand, have had a mixed run, squandering a golden opportunity against Warwickshire despite a dominant opening stand.

The weather is expected to be mostly cloudy, with a 20% chance of rain, and temperatures hovering around 21°C. The toss is expected to be pivotal, with fielding first being the favored option due to the likely drying pitch conditions.

Team Form

Sussex – In Good Spirits

Sussex have been in excellent form, winning their last two matches decisively. Their batting line-up has been firing, particularly with opener Charlie Tear, who scored a magnificent 159 against Northamptonshire. Tom Haines and Tom Clark have also provided valuable support with the bat.

However, their bowling has been inconsistent at times, and they will need to tighten their lines and lengths if they are to contain Somerset’s potent top order.

Key Players:

• Charlie Tear – Leading run-scorer in recent match (159 runs)
• Tom Haines – Consistent middle-order performer
• Danny Lamb – Key bowler and all-rounder

Sussex Predicted XI:

1. Charlie Tear (Batter)
2. Tom Haines (Batter)
3. Tom Clark (Batter)
4. Fynn Hudson-Prentice (All-rounder)
5. John Simpson (Wicketkeeper)
6. Oliver Carter (Batter)
7. Danny Lamb (All-rounder)
8. Jack Carson (Bowler)
9. Archie Lenham (Bowler)
10. Bertie Foreman (Bowler)
11. Henry Crocombe (Bowler)

Somerset – On the Rebound?

Somerset have shown glimpses of brilliance, particularly with their batting. Tom Lammonby and Archie Vaughan have formed a formidable opening partnership, and skipper James Rew has been in sensational form this season, scoring 283 runs in five innings.

However, the team’s recent loss to Warwickshire highlighted a lack of discipline in the field and with the ball. If they can address these issues, they are a strong contender to win.

Key Players:

• James Rew – Tournament’s top run-scorer (283 runs)
• Tom Lammonby – Consistent opener with a 100 against Warwickshire
• Alfie Ogborne – Leading wicket-taker with 8 wickets in 4 innings

Somerset Predicted XI:

1. Tom Lammonby (Batter)
2. Archie Vaughan (All-rounder)
3. Lewis Goldsworthy (All-rounder)
4. James Rew (Wicketkeeper)
5. Thomas Rew (All-rounder)
6. Joshua Thomas (Batter)
7. Fin Hill (Bowler)
8. Ben Green (All-rounder)
9. Kasey Aldridge (All-rounder)
10. Alfie Ogborne (Bowler)
11. Jake Ball (Bowler)

Head-to-Head

The two sides have met multiple times in the OneDay Cup this season, with Somerset dominating the recent encounters. In the last five matches, Somerset have claimed 2 wins to Sussex’s 3, but the trend has been in favor of Somerset in the past two months.

Recent Results:

• 06/06/2025: Somerset won by 7 wickets
• 16/05/2025: Somerset won by 5 wickets
• 18/07/2024: Somerset won by 6 wickets
• 11/08/2023: Sussex won by 4 wickets
• 26/05/2023: Somerset won by 5 wickets

Match Prediction

This is a match that could go either way, but the form and momentum currently favor Somerset. Their top-order batting is in excellent shape, and if they can avoid the same lapses in the field that cost them against Warwickshire, they should be in a strong position.

Prediction: Somerset to win by 7-10 runs
Target Score: 230-240

Toss Prediction

The toss is expected to be a key factor. While chasing sides have had a 31% win rate in recent matches, the drying pitch and cloud cover suggest that fielding first could be the better option. However, if conditions remain dry, Somerset's openers may prefer to bat.

Toss Prediction: Somerset to win the toss and choose to bat

Betting Tips

• Somerset to score high before first dismissal – Based on the consistency of Lammonby and Vaughan
• Somerset to have a better opening partnership than Sussex – Somerset's openers have been more stable
• James Rew to score 50+ runs – He is in sensational form

Conclusion

This match is a classic battle between two strong OneDay Cup teams. While Sussex have the momentum and a potent batting line-up, Somerset’s form and firepower give them the slight edge. With a strong opening stand and disciplined bowling, Somerset can look to make it three wins out of four and continue their climb up the OneDay Cup table.
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