T20_Blast

Lancashire vs Leicestershire 18th T20 Prediction, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report

Lancashire Lightning will look to extend their winning streak to four games when they take on Leicestershire Foxes at Old Trafford in Manchester. The hosts have started the tournament in dominant fashion, securing a big win after a tight opener at this venue.

James Anderson made an impact in his recent outing with figures of 3/17, and Lancashire’s batting depth has ensured wins even under pressure. With Keaton Jennings leading from the front and Ashton Turner anchoring the middle order, Lancs appear well-balanced.

Leicestershire, meanwhile, are looking for consistency after mixed results. They beat Derbyshire in their opening match thanks to a blistering knock by Soloman Budinger but followed it up with a batting collapse against a strong bowling side.

The pitch at Old Trafford is expected to offer pace and swing early, with dew playing a potential role later in the evening. Both teams have strong bowling units, but Lancashire’s batting looks more settled.

Match Details

MatchLAN vs LEI – Vitality T20 Blast 2025
Date & Time (IST)Wednesday, June 5, 2025 – 11:00 PM
VenueEmirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Toss TimingAround 10:45 PM IST
Live StreamingSky Sports / Willow TV
Pitch ReportBalanced; offers movement early
Weather ForecastLight rain early; clear skies by match time

Team Previews

Lancashire Lightning Preview

Lancashire Lightning have been one of the standout teams in the T20 Blast 2025, starting the tournament with three straight wins. Their most recent victory came against Durham, where James Anderson took 3/17 and helped restrict the opposition despite a tricky chase.

The batting lineup boasts depth and firepower. Openers Luke Wells and Keaton Jennings provide solid starts, while Matthew Hurst and Michael Jones offer aggression in the middle overs. Josh Bohannon ensures stability, and captain Ashton Turner steps in as a finisher — a role he executed well in previous matches.

Chris Green brings all-round value with both bat and ball, while Jack Blatherwick and Thomas Aspinwall add variety to the bowling attack. Charlie Barnard has also impressed with his off-spin in key moments.

With a strong home record — seven wins from their last eight matches — Lancashire enters this game confident. A win here would give them a significant boost in the group stage standings.

Predicted Playing XI:
Keaton Jennings (c), Luke Wells, Matthew Hurst (wk), Michael Jones, Ashton Turner, Josh Bohannon, Chris Green, Jack Blatherwick, Thomas Aspinwall, Charlie Barnard, James Anderson

Leicestershire Foxes Preview

Leicestershire Foxes began their campaign with a thrilling win over Derbyshire, courtesy of a stunning 51* off just 17 balls from Soloman Budinger. However, they were outplayed in their next fixture, collapsing to 56/5 before recovering slightly to score 87.

Skipper Louis Kimber will be hoping for better performances from Shan Masood and Lewis Hill, who have struggled to build partnerships. Rishi Patel and Budinger remain the team’s best hope for explosive starts, having already shown what they can do in the first match.

The middle and lower order, including Ben Cox and Liam Trevaskis, need to step up and provide support. While Shan Masood has been promoted to number 4, there’s still a lack of consistency in the middle.

Their bowling department is their strength. Logan van Beek (2/21) and Roman Walker (2/20) were instrumental in the win over Derbyshire, while Matt Salisbury offered control and wicket-taking ability. Van Beek and Walker will lead the pace attack again, supported by Scriven and Salisbury.

However, unless the batters fire together, the Foxes may struggle to post competitive totals. A win is possible, but they’ll need to find rhythm quickly.

Predicted Playing XI:
Rishi Patel, Soloman Budinger, Louis Kimber (c), Shan Masood, Lewis Hill, Ben Cox (wk), Liam Trevaskis, Logan van Beek, Tom Scriven, Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker

Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match

Favourite TeamWhy?
Lancashire LightningLancashire enter this match in excellent form, having won their last three games. Their batting depth and experienced bowlers like James Anderson and Charlie Barnard make them hard to beat at home. Leicestershire’s inconsistency with the bat and recent collapse makes them vulnerable. Unless the Foxes find form quickly, Lancashire should continue their winning run.

Fantasy Team XI

Player NameRoleTeamReason
Soloman BudingerBatsmanLEIExplosive opener; scored 51* off 17 balls
Ashton TurnerAll-rounderLANFinisher with power-hitting ability
Logan van BeekBowlerLEIWicket-taker with economy; 2/21 in last game
Josh BohannonBatsmanLANConsistent performer; anchor in middle order
Louis KimberWK-BatsmanLEIValuable runs and leadership as captain
Michael JonesBatsmanLANReliable middle-order contributor
Roman WalkerBowlerLEISkilled pacer with swing and control
James AndersonBowlerLANExperience and threat with the new ball
Tom ScrivenBowlerLEIEffective death bowler; handy lower-order
Charlie BarnardBowlerLANKey spinner with wicket-taking potential
Chris GreenAll-rounderLANUseful with both bat and ball; good death bowler

Explanation:

This fantasy XI combines top performers from both sides. Lancashire dominate due to superior form and balance. Soloman Budinger and Ashton Turner offer high-impact performances. Logan van Beek and Roman Walker bring wicket-taking potential for the Foxes. James Anderson and Charlie Barnard offer bowling variations. Michael Jones and Josh Bohannon provide batting stability.

Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:

  • Captain: Soloman Budinger (LEI) – Explosive opener with match-winning ability.
  • Vice-Captain: Ashton Turner (LAN) – Finisher and crucial lower-order hitter.

Players to Avoid:

  • Lewis Hill (LEI) – Struggling for form and impact recently.
  • Ben Cox (LEI) – Inconsistent and not contributing meaningfully.

Team Squads

Lancashire Squad (2025 T20 Blast):

Keaton Jennings (c), Luke Wells, Matthew Hurst (wk), Michael Jones, Ashton Turner, Josh Bohannon, Chris Green, Jack Blatherwick, Thomas Aspinwall, Charlie Barnard, James Anderson, Danny Lamb, George Lavelle, Josh Mack, Callum Parkinson, Faisal Afridi, Rob Jones, Dane Vilas, Tom Hartley, Richard Gleeson, Sam Houghton, Alex Milton, Usman Khawaja

Leicestershire Squad (2025 T20 Blast):

Louis Kimber (c), Rishi Patel, Soloman Budinger, Shan Masood, Lewis Hill, Ben Cox (wk), Liam Trevaskis, Logan van Beek, Tom Scriven, Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker, Colin Ackermann, Nathan Buck, Dieter Klein, Hassan Azad, Harry Chorley, Rehan Ahmed, Callum Guest, Sam Evans, Zak Chappell, Ed Byrom, Jacob Bethell, Finn Allen

Probable Playing XI

Lancashire LightningLeicestershire Foxes
Keaton Jennings (c)Rishi Patel
Luke WellsSoloman Budinger
Matthew Hurst (wk)Louis Kimber (c)
Michael JonesShan Masood
Ashton TurnerLewis Hill
Josh BohannonBen Cox (wk)
Chris GreenLiam Trevaskis
Jack BlatherwickLogan van Beek
Thomas AspinwallTom Scriven
Charlie BarnardMatt Salisbury
James AndersonRoman Walker

Pitch Report

  • Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
  • Batting Conditions: Good carry and true bounce; ideal for strokeplay.
  • Bowling Conditions: Pacers get early swing; spinners get some turn late.
  • Recent Scores: Average first-innings score is around 181.
  • Second Innings: Chasing easier due to dew setting in late evening.

Ideal Total: 180–200

Toss Prediction

Teams batting first have won 4 of the last 8 T20 Blast matches here. Considering that dew could play a role later in the evening, the toss is likely to be opted for batting first , especially if the surface remains true.

Winner Prediction

Lancashire Lightning are in scintillating form and have a strong home advantage. Their batting lineup is deeper and more consistent, and their bowling unit has proven wicket-taking capability. Leicestershire have talent but lack cohesion and consistency so far.

🎯 Final Verdict: Lancashire Lightning to win and extend their unbeaten run.

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About Suraj Mahto

Suraj Kumar Mahto is currently working as a freelance content writer and is always interested in a challenge. Reach out to t20cricketprediction@gmail.com to connect!

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