Cricket Prediction | DUR vs LEIC | Vitality Blast Men 2025 | North Group | July 15 – Who’s Walking Away with the Points Today?

DUR vs LEIC Match Analysis

All eyes will be on the North Group as Durham face Leicestershire in a pivotal 2025 Vitality Blast contest. The match will be played on July 15, 2025, at the Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, with the first ball scheduled for 6:30 PM local time. 

Durham has a power-packed squad with a fine blend of experienced internationals and rising local stars. The team’s strength lies in its pace unit, led by the likes of Mark Wood and Brydon Carse. 

Leicestershire has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled to convert starts into victories consistently this season. The presence of international stars like Jimmy Neesham and Rehan Ahmed gives them balance across departments. 

Durham vs Leicestershire Team Preview & Squads

Durham

Alex Lees, a seasoned top-order batter and former England Test opener, leads DUR with calm authority. Known for his patient yet calculated approach, he anchors the innings while letting stroke-makers like Bedingham and Turner play freely. 

Durham’s batting revolves around a stable core—Lees, Bedingham, and Turner—with additional firepower from Graham Clark and Ollie Robinson. The inclusion of all-rounders like Ben Stokes and Wayne Parnell adds depth to the middle and lower order. 

The bowling attack is spearheaded by express pacer Mark Wood, supported by Carse, Potts, and spin options like Nathan Sowter. Their ability to strike early is commendable, but containing runs during the middle overs has been inconsistent. 

In their last game against Lancashire on July 13, DUR posted 155/7, with Brandon Glover and Clark showing some resistance. Despite early breakthroughs, their bowlers couldn’t defend the total as Lancashire chased it down in 18.4 overs, winning by 3 wickets. Brydon Carse and Sowter picked up crucial wickets, but the lack of support at the back end cost them. 

Durham Squad

Durham

Wayne Parnell, Ben Stokes, Alex Lees (C), Neil Wagner, Scott Borthwick, Ashton Turner, Brandon Glover, David Bedingham, Mark Wood, Paul Coughlin, Ben Raine, Graham Clark, Oliver George Robinson (wk), Nathan Sowter, Luke Robinson, Callum Parkinson, Colin Ackermann, Brydon Carse, Matthew Kuhnemann, Matthew Potts, George Drissell, Bas de Leede, Michael Jones, Luke Doneathy, Tomas Mackintosh, Oliver Gibson, Jonathan Bushnell, Harry Crawshaw, Stanley McAlindon, Mitchell Killeen, Ben McKinney, Daniel Hogg, Haydon Mustard, James Minto.

Leicestershire

Louis Kimber has been handed leadership responsibilities this season and has led by example with grit and determination. While not the most experienced captain, his aggressive mindset and ability to rotate bowlers effectively have been assets. 

The batting unit features Shan Masood, Sol Budinger, and Peter Handscomb—players who can adapt across conditions. Both Mulder and Neesham possess the talent to turn games around with their all-round brilliance. 

LEIC has a dynamic pace unit, featuring Josh Davey, van Beek, and Salisbury, complemented by spin options such as Rehan Ahmed and Callum Parkinson. Jimmy Neesham adds versatility, particularly in powerplay and death overs. 

Against Worcestershire on July 13, LEIC posted 173/6 after a strong start from Rishi Patel and late fireworks from Neesham. Their bowlers began well but failed to contain Brett D’Oliveira and Jack Haynes, who chased the target down in just 17.5 overs. Rehan Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers but lacked support. The team will need more disciplined bowling at the back end.

Leicestershire Squad

Leicestershire

Josh Davey, Wiaan Mulder, Ben Green, Logan van Beek, Jimmy Neesham, Peter Handscomb, Ben Cox (wk), Chris Wright, Shan Masood, Lewis Hill, Sam Wood, Matt Salisbury, Will Davis, Louis Kimber (C), Harry Swindells, Callum Parkinson, Colin Ackermann, Ian Holland, Liam Trevaskis, Tom Scriven, Roman Walker, Ben Mike, Rishi Patel, Soloman Budinger, Rehan Ahmed, Michael Finan, Josh Hull, Alex Green.

DUR vs LEIC Outfield Report

Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

The Chester-le-Street surface typically offers early swing and seam movement, favoring fast bowlers in the powerplay. As the game progresses, it flattens out, allowing batters to target straight boundaries. Spinners also get some grip in the middle overs, making timing key.

The weather is expected to be cool and clear with minimal chances of rain. Temperatures will hover around 17°C during match hours, with a light breeze that may assist swing bowling. Humidity levels will be moderate, allowing for a good cricketing atmosphere.

Recent T20 games at this venue have seen average first-innings scores between 155–170. The highest successful chase in recent years is 185, while anything below 140 is usually hard to defend. Due to dew and clearer visibility, chasing under lights could be the favored strategy.

Durham vs Leicestershire Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

Durham have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning 3 of the last 5 matches against Leicestershire. 

DUR vs LEIC Prediction

According to cricket analysts Durham have a 56% chance of Winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.