Match Preview | T20 Blast | Yorkshire | 18 July 2025

The Foxes’ task on Friday evening is clear “ it’s a must win. With a host of permutations dictating their passage to the quarter-final stage, Leicestershire know only victory against Yorkshire will take them there.

It’s the 14th and final group stage game for Alfonso Thomas’ side, who currently sit one place and two points off a top four spot after Tuesday’s washout in Durham.

Yorkshire enter the clash in eighth place, knowing their hopes of a spot in the last eight have already been extinguished.

The clash will act as the second serving in a delectable double-header, with Leicestershire Women bidding to cement their spot at Finals Day when they take on the White Rose in the day’s opening contest (2:30pm start). For Leicestershire Women's Match Preview, click HERE.

Squad:

There’s a HUGE boost for the Foxes as Ian Holland returns to the squad following his stint in Major League Cricket.

Leicestershire Foxes: Ahmed, Budinger, Cox+, Hill, Holland, Hull, Kimber*, Masood, Patel, Scriven, Thomas, van Beek, Walker, Wood.

Famous Fixture:

The first fixture in Leicestershire’s fabled T20 history saw the Foxes defeat Yorkshire by 16 runs on Grace Road. Chiefly down to Brad Hodge’s exceptional exploits with bat and ball.

The Australian clubbed 97 from just 61 balls “ including five sixes “ to help the Foxes to 174 for six after opting to bat first. Paul Nixon’s 43 (26b) also playing a key role.

Yorkshire got off to a flyer in response, and at 101 for one, were well placed to chase the target. But Yuvraj Singh’s (71, 37b) dismissal to Jamie Grove (4-0-23-3) sparked a collapse, as Jeremy Snape (4-0-14-3) and Hodge (2-0-6-3) tore through the middle order and tail to snare a historic victory.

Decisive Duel:

Returning from the states this week, it’s only fair to highlight the impact Ian Holland may have on the Foxes’ fortunes heading into Friday’s group stage finale.

The all-rounder is a very handy T20 operator, boasting an average of 25.4 with the bat and 22.46 at an economical seven runs per over with the ball. His ability to keep the run-rate to a minimum in the middle overs and contribute handy late-order runs could be the final piece of the jigsaw to Alfonso Thomas’ squad.

Another recent introduction to the campaign, Abdullah Shafique has added some sturdy middle-order firepower to the Yorkshire lineup. The left-hander almost became a Fox in 2023, only for Pakistan commitments to spoil his scheduled stint in the East Midlands.

With two scores above 20, striking in excess of 130, from his two appearances so far, the Foxes will need to ensure he doesn’t go on this time around.

Tickets:

Tickets for Friday’s double-header start from just £7, with a single ticket granting access to both fixtures. You can save in advance when purchasing ONLINE before midnight on Friday. Supporters can also purchase tickets via the Curzon Road Ticket Office on the day.

Follow The Action:

Our live stream coverage will be broadcast exclusively on Foxes TV. You can also keep across play through our match feed on X (@leicsccc), as well as updates on Facebook (Leicestershire County Cricket Club) and Instagram (@leicsccc).