Northamptonshire vs Middlesex Match Preview – OneDay Cup 2025, August 24

Date: Sunday, 24 August
Time: 11:00 GMT
Venue: County Ground, Northampton
Format: ODI (Group B)
Tournament: OneDay Cup 2025

Match Outlook

Northamptonshire and Middlesex are set to clash in an intriguing OneDay Cup encounter at the County Ground in Northampton. With the weather forecast indicating a 10% chance of rain and temperatures hovering around 22°C, the conditions are expected to be batting-friendly, albeit with the potential for a bit of cloud cover.

The toss is likely to be pivotal in this match, as the pitch at Northampton has historically favored the side batting first. The average first innings score at this venue is 304, and all three recent toss winners have opted to bat first. Therefore, Middlesex or Northamptonshire will need to make a decisive choice.

Team Form

Northamptonshire

Northamptonshire have struggled this season, finishing at the bottom of the Group B standings with just one win in five matches and a poor net run rate of -0.674. Their batting order has been particularly concerning, with only Aadi Sharma managing to contribute significantly in recent games. James Sales remains their top run-scorer with 223 runs in three innings, but the middle and lower order have consistently failed to deliver.

The Northants bowling unit, led by Yuzvendra Chahal and Nirvan Ramesh, has had its moments, but their inconsistency has often cost them crucial wickets. With a 33% chance of winning this match, Northamptonshire will be relying on a top-order revival and disciplined bowling to turn their fortunes around.

Predicted Playing XI:

1. Luke Procter (Batter)
2. Aadi Sharma (Batter)
3. James Sales (Batter)
4. Stuart van der Merwe (Batter)
5. George Bartlett (Batter)
6. Lewis McManus (Wicketkeeper)
7. Dominic Leech (Bowler)
8. Aryaman Varma (Bowler)
9. Yuzvendra Chahal (Bowler)
10. Nirvan Ramesh (Bowler)
11. Justin Broad (Bowler)

Top Performers:

• Best Batter: James Sales
• Best Bowler: Nirvan Ramesh

Middlesex

Middlesex, on the other hand, are in much better form. Sitting fourth in Group B with four wins and two losses, they have a net run rate of 0.170. Their recent victory over Kent was a statement performance, with skipper Ben Geddes scoring an unbeaten 141 and Luke Hollman adding 77. Sam Robson, their leading run-scorer this season with 356 runs in six innings, has also been in fine form.

Their bowling attack, featuring Ishaan Kaushal, Henry Brookes, and Zafar Gohar, has been effective in picking up crucial wickets and maintaining pressure. With a 67% chance of winning and a dominant 41 head-to-head record against Northamptonshire in the last five encounters, Middlesex are strong favorites.

Predicted Playing XI:

1. Joe Cracknell (Wicketkeeper)
2. Joshua De Caires (Batter)
3. Sam Robson (Batter)
4. Ben Geddes (C) (Batter)
5. Jack Davies (Batter)
6. Nathan Fernandes (Allrounder)
7. Toby Roland-Jones (Bowler)
8. Henry Brookes (Bowler)
9. Ishaan Kaushal (Bowler)
10. Zafar Gohar (Bowler)
11. Luke Hollman (Bowler)

Top Performers:

• Best Batter: Sam Robson
• Best Bowler: Henry Brookes

Head-to-Head

Middlesex have been the dominant force in the recent history of this rivalry, winning four out of the last five matches against Northamptonshire. Their superior depth in batting and bowling, combined with a more consistent performance record, makes them the clear favorites in this encounter.

Toss Prediction

Despite the chasing sides having a 21 win record at the venue this season, the toss winners are more likely to choose to bat first due to the high average first innings score. With the pitch favoring batters and the weather conditions being largely dry, the toss could set the tone for the entire match.

Weather Forecast

The match is expected to take place under cloudy skies with a slight 10% chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to reach 22°C, making for pleasant batting conditions. However, if rain does intervene, the match could be affected, so keep an eye on the weather updates.

Match Prediction & Betting Tips

With Northamptonshire in poor form and Middlesex enjoying a strong run in the competition, the visitors are the more likely winners.

• Predicted Winner: Middlesex
• Winning Odds:
  • Northamptonshire to Win: 2.31
  • Middlesex to Win: 1.50
• Top Batters to Watch:
  • Northamptonshire: James Sales
  • Middlesex: Sam Robson
• Top Bowlers to Watch:
  • Northamptonshire: Nirvan Ramesh
  • Middlesex: Henry Brookes

Betting Tip:

• Middlesex Opening Partnership to be Under 24.5 @ 1.83
• Northamptonshire Opening Partnership to be Over 22.5 @ 1.83

Final Verdict

Middlesex are in better form, have a stronger batting lineup, and a proven track record against Northamptonshire. Unless there is a dramatic top-order collapse or a surprise bowling performance, the visitors are expected to take control of this match. Northamptonshire will need a complete team performance to pull off an unlikely victory.

Our Prediction: Middlesex to Win
“`