Leicestershire vs Kent – County Championship Division Two 2025 Match Preview

Date: 15 September 2025
Time: 10:30 GMT
Venue: Grace Road, Leicester

Match Context

As the County Championship Division Two 2025 enters its final stages, this fixture between Leicestershire and Kent at Grace Road promises to be a crucial encounter in the race for promotion. With both teams still in the hunt for a top-two finish, this four-day match could significantly influence their fortunes in the remaining fixtures.

Leicestershire, currently occupying the top of the table with 205 points, have been in fine form, with four consecutive wins in their last six matches. Their recent victory over Lancashire was particularly impressive, as they secured a win by an innings and 3 runs. Kent, meanwhile, sit in eighth place with 109 points, and will be eager to bounce back after a series of inconsistent results, including a heavy defeat to Derbyshire by an innings and 14 runs.

Head-to-Head

The two sides have met multiple times in recent seasons, with the last encounter taking place on 29 July 2025, where Leicestershire emerged victorious. The historical record shows a balanced contest, with both teams having enjoyed moments of success over the years.

Team Form

Leicestershire

• Last 6 Matches: 4 Wins, 2 Losses
• Recent Result (23 May 2025): Defeated Lancashire by an innings and 3 runs
• Key Batsman: PSP Handscomb has been in excellent form, while Harry Swindells and Rahul Patel offer solid middle-order support.
• Bowling Attack: Rizwan Ahmed and Tom Taylor Scriven are key wicket-takers, with the latter providing consistent pace and bounce.

Kent

• Last 6 Matches: 2 Wins, 2 Losses, 2 No Results
• Recent Result (08 September 2025): Lost to Lancashire
• Key Batsman: Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond have been the mainstay of Kent’s batting, while Tom Muyeye has shown promise with the bat.
• Bowling Attack: Kashif Ali and Grant Stewart provide the bulk of the pace, while Matthew Parkinson is the primary spinner.

Weather & Pitch Conditions

Grace Road typically offers a decent pitch that is initially assistive to seamers before settling into a more even surface. With the weather expected to remain fine throughout the match, both teams will look to set a competitive total or enforce a follow-on depending on the context.

Match Prediction

With Leicestershire in strong form and sitting at the top of the table, they are slight favorites to win this match. However, Kent will be determined to avoid a heavy defeat and could surprise if their batters find the form they have been missing in recent weeks.

Based on current form and recent performances, the match is expected to be closely contested, with Leicestershire likely to edge it.

Prediction Runs:

• Leicestershire First Innings: 501
• Kent First Innings: 377
• Total Match Runs (Predicted): 875.2

Key Players to Watch

• Leicestershire:

  • PSP Handscomb (Batsman)
  • Rizwan Ahmed (Bowler)
  • Tom Taylor Scriven (All-rounder)

• Kent:

  • Zak Crawley (Batsman)
  • Matthew Parkinson (Bowler)
  • Grant Stewart (All-rounder)

Conclusion

This match could prove decisive in both sides’ campaigns for promotion. Leicestershire will look to capitalize on home advantage and their recent momentum, while Kent will need to rediscover their form, especially with the bat, to make a statement in this fixture. Fans can expect a high-stakes contest with plenty of cricketing action.

Prediction:
Leicestershire to win by a narrow margin.
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