When Worcestershire take on Durham at New Road, Worcester tonight, it’s more than just another group-stage clash in the T20 Blast. For Worcestershire, it’s a chance to climb back after a dip in form. For Durham, it’s about continuing their hot winning streak.
Match Preview
- Match: Worcestershire vs Durham – T20 Blast 2025, North Group
- Date & Time: Wednesday, June 18 at 10:00 PM IST (5:30 PM Local Time)
- Venue: County Ground, New Road, Worcester
- Live Streaming: FanCode
Pitch & Conditions – What To Expect
New Road has been a solid batting track this season. The ball comes onto the bat nicely, and anything under 180 is generally chaseable here. Bowlers, especially pacers, need to hit the right lengths early. Spinners might come into play in the second half once the pitch slows down a bit.
Head-to-Head Record
These two teams have played each other 19 times in this tournament’s history. Worcestershire have won 9, Durham have taken 7, with a couple of no-results and one tie. So it’s fairly even, though Worcestershire tend to do well at home.
Current Form Stats
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Standings Position |
|---|---|---|
| Worcestershire | L, L, W, L, W | 7th in North Group |
| Durham | W, W, W, L, L | 2nd in North Group |
Durham are flying with three wins on the trot, while Worcestershire are struggling for consistency. Their last two losses came with disappointing batting totals—143 and 150—which puts pressure on the bowlers from ball one.
Probable Playing XIs
Worcestershire:
Ed Pollock, Jake Libby/Kashif Ali, Gareth Roderick (wk), Adam Hose (c), Ethan Brookes, Matthew Waite, Ben Dwarshuis, Tom Hinley, Tom Taylor, Fateh Singh, Jacob Duffy.
Durham:
Graham Clark, Alex Lees (c), Oliver George Robinson (wk), Colin Ackermann, Will Rhodes, James Neesham, Ben Raine, Zakary Foulkes, Matthew Potts, Nathan Sowter, Callum Parkinson.
Fantasy Cricket Picks
Let’s now talk about Dream11/My11Circle team.
Batters To Watch
- Adam Hose (WOR): One of the few shining lights for Worcestershire. Has scored 229 runs this season with a strike rate close to 147.
- Alex Lees (DUR): Anchors the top order. His 62 in the last match was classy and responsible.
- Graham Clark (DUR): Known for his quick starts. Can set the tone in Powerplay.
All-Rounders – The Game Changers
- Ben Raine (DUR): Has done it all—14 wickets in 6 games and some handy cameos with the bat.
- James Neesham (DUR): A reliable overseas pick. Always involved in the action.
- Ben Dwarshuis (WOR): Scored 112 runs and picked up 7 wickets—can swing your fantasy points either way.
Bowlers – Who Can Deliver Under Pressure
- Matthew Potts (DUR): Fresh off a five-wicket haul against Yorkshire. He’s bowling with rhythm and bite.
- Nathan Sowter (DUR): Useful in the middle overs, especially on slower pitches.
- Matthew Waite (WOR): Can swing the new ball and break partnerships.
Suggested Fantasy Team Picks
Combination 1
- WK: Gareth Roderick
- BAT: Alex Lees, Will Rhodes, Adam Hose
- AR: Ben Raine (C), James Neesham, Ethan Brookes
- BOWL: Matthew Potts, Nathan Sowter, Zakary Foulkes, Ben Dwarshuis (VC)
Combination 2
- WK: Oliver Robinson
- BAT: Graham Clark, Alex Lees, Adam Hose (VC)
- AR: Ben Raine, James Neesham (C), Ethan Brookes
- BOWL: Jacob Duffy, Matthew Potts, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Sowter
Captain Pick: Ben Raine – High impact with both ball and bat
Vice-Captain: Adam Hose or Ben Dwarshuis – depend on whether WOR bat first or chase
Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today?
Looking at recent form, squad balance, and momentum, Durham clearly have the upper hand going into this clash. They’ve won three matches in a row and are playing with confidence, especially with their bowling unit firing on all cylinders.
Worcestershire, meanwhile, are struggling to find rhythm. Unless their top order fires big or Dwarshuis pulls off an all-round show, it’s hard to see them stopping Durham’s run.
Fdaytalk Prediction:
Durham to win — unless Worcestershire pull off something special at home.
