Match Preview | One Day Cup | Worcestershire Rapids | 24 August 2025

Leicestershire’s Metro Bank One Day Cup dreams are still alive, but the Foxes know it’s do or die ahead of Sunday’s penultimate group stage clash with Worcestershire Rapids at Uptonsteel County Ground.

After Wednesday’s dramatic final-ball tie against Derbyshire, Alfonso Thomas’ side sit sixth on 10 points, with four points against the Rapids a must if they’re to sneak into the top three by next Tuesday evening.

Worcestershire are well perched in second with an 18-point haul, having beaten Glamorgan by five wickets at New Road on Friday to earn their fourth victory of the campaign.

Squad:

One change to the squad. Roman Walker is ruled out through injury, so Matt Salisbury comes into contention.

Leicestershire Foxes: Budinger, Cox+, A Green, Handscomb*, Hill, Holland, Masood, Mike, Patel, Salisbury, Scriven, Trevaskis, Wood, Wright.

Last Time We Met:

These two sides haven’t faced off in List A cricket since 2019 “ Leicestershire’s longest current wait to play another first-class county. Played in April, the Foxes won by 38 runs in a high-scoring affair at Uptonsteel County Ground.

That was largely due to a pair of brilliant centuries from Colin Ackermann and Lewis Hill. After two early losses, the former joined Harry Dearden at the wicket with the score 5/2 after one over. Dearden made a splendid 91 (92b) in a stand of 170, before Ackermann and Hill dazzled in an explosive second half of the innings.

Ackermann batted through 49 overs to end unbeaten on 152, while Hill whacked 118 from just 62 balls to steer the Foxes to an imposing 377/4.

Worcestershire were reduced to 24/4 in reply, although Ross Whiteley’s 131 (83b) kept the Rapids in the contest. Dieter Klein (4/72) and Ackermann (3/55) the standout bowlers as the Foxes won by 38 runs.

Decisive Duel:

Restored to the XI on Wednesday, Rishi Patel looked back to his best, fusing studious defence and blistering attack to lay the foundations for a mighty score, a knock which deserved three-figures.

Closing in on 1,000 List A runs, Patel has the ability to go through the gears seamlessly, providing the perfect foil for the belligerent flair of opening partner Sol Budinger. If he can anchor again on Sunday, the Foxes will be set for another run-fest.

Similarly, Jake Libby possesses the patience to bat big and allow those around him to be expansive in the pursuit of quick runs. Batting at four this term, he’s averaging 72.8 from six innings “ including an unbeaten century in the Rapids’ opening round tie with Notts Outlaws.

Tickets:

Save on advance tickets when purchasing online before midnight, with admission starting from just £7 HERE. Tickets on the day can be purchased from the Curzon Road Ticket Office.

Follow Live:

Foxes TV will be the exclusive home of our live stream broadcast, while a play-by-play feed will be available on our X account (@leicsccc). You can also find updates on Facebook (Leicestershire County Cricket Club) and Instagram (@leicsccc).