Match Preview | T20 Blast | Derbyshire Falcons | 14 June 2025

After a six-day break, Leicestershire return to Vitality Blast action with part one of a blockbuster weekend of T20 cricket by taking on Derbyshire Falcons at Edgbaston.

As part of ‘Midlands Mania’ on Saturday, the East Midlands clash will see the Foxes hunt a double over the Falcons, following a convincing five-wicket win at Uptonsteel County Ground in the opening round.

Leicestershire have three wins and two defeats from their first five fixtures, while Derbyshire have suffered losses in all five of their matches so far, a run which could stretch to six games when they face Notts Outlaws on Thursday evening.

Squad:

There’s a welcome return to the squad, as Rehan Ahmed comes back into contention following the conclusion of England’s IT20 series with the West Indies. The all-rounder replaces Alex Green in the Foxes’ 14.

Leicestershire Foxes: Ahmed, Budinger, Cox+, Hill, Kimber*, Masood, Patel, Salisbury, Scriven, Swindells, Trevaskis, van Beek, Walker, Wood.

Famous Fixture:

Rewinding the tape to 2006, and Leicestershire’s second largest T20 victory, an 86-run win inspired by a sublime all-round Darren Maddy display.

Batting first, Maddy’s 50, alongside 42 from Paul Nixon and a quickfire 33 not out (14b) from Jeremy Snape helped the Foxes to a mighty 204 for six.

In reply, Adam Griffith and David Masters each picked up three wickets, while Maddy claimed a wicket and two catches, as Leicestershire bowled Derbyshire out for just 118.

Decisive Duel:

Two of the Blast’s biggest hitters lock horns at Edgbaston, as Louis Kimber goes head-to-head with Ross Whiteley.

In his new roles as captain and number three, there’s even more value on Kimber’s runs this term. He’s started with 109 at 21.8, striking at a mighty 167.69 - the highest of any Leicestershire player. If he gets going on Saturday, he could be belting balls across the Birmingham border.

Another brute with the blade, Whiteley’s white-ball prowess has been in evidence for well over a decade. With 230 Blast appearances, more than 3,500 runs, and a strike rate approaching 140, the left-hander packs a punch.

Now 36 years of age, he’s showing no signs of slowing, topping the Falcons’ T20 run-charts this campaign with 146 at an average of 36.5.

Follow The Action:

You can keep up-to-date with the contest via our play-by-play feed on X (@leicsccc), as well as updates on Instagram (@leicsccc) and Facebook (Leicestershire County Cricket Club). Our Match Centre will also be in operation, hosting a live scorecard and clips of the action.