Middlesex vs Sussex T20BLAST Preview, Prediction, Lineups and betting odds: 29/5/2025

The new season of the T20 Blast begins with South Group action as Middlesex take on Sussex at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. This fixture marks the first game of the campaign and is expected to set the tone for the summer, with both teams approaching the contest with differing recent histories and ambitions.

Middlesex will aim to reverse their fortunes after finishing near the bottom of the South Group last year, managing only three victories from 14 games. Sussex, in contrast, had a much stronger outing in the previous edition, finishing second in the group and progressing to the semi-finals. With a largely unchanged squad, they will be pushing to go all the way this time.

Middlesex Overview

Middlesex enter the new season with a refreshed batting lineup following the departure of top run-scorer Martin Andersson to Derbyshire. To fill the gap, they’ve added New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, a seasoned T20 international with over 6,600 runs at an average above 30. Williamson will bring composure and experience to a middle order that includes Leus du Plooy, Max Holden, and Jack Davies.

Davies and Holden had solid contributions in the previous campaign, scoring 214 and 188 runs respectively, with healthy strike rates. Captain Stevie Eskinazi will continue to lead from the top, and all-rounder Ryan Higgins will provide flexibility with both bat and ball. Higgins made 166 runs and took nine wickets last season, making him a vital part of the side’s core.

Luke Hollman returns as the leading bowler for Middlesex, having taken 23 wickets in 11 matches last year. He’ll be supported by pace options Blake Cullen, Tom Helm, and emerging talent Noah Cornwell. Their combined efforts will be essential in containing Sussex’s powerful batting unit.

Middlesex predicted playing XI: Stevie Eskinazi (c), Leus du Plooy, Max Holden, Jack Davies (wk), Kane Williamson, Ryan Higgins, Luke Hollman, Blake Cullen, Tom Helm, Noah Cornwell, Henry Brookes

Sussex Overview

Sussex will look to build on the momentum from last season, where they won nine of their 14 group games and edged out Lancashire in the quarter-finals before losing to eventual champions Gloucestershire. Their consistency was anchored by a batting group led by Daniel Hughes, who scored 596 runs across 16 innings with a striking rate near 170.

Hughes is expected to play a key role again, supported by Harrison Ward, Tom Alsop, and James Coles, all of whom crossed 330 runs in last year’s edition. This batting unit has the depth to put up competitive totals or chase challenging targets.

With the ball, Sussex will rely on pace spearhead Tymal Mills, who collected 24 wickets last season, and James Coles, who contributed with 20 dismissals. Brad Currie and Ollie Robinson round out a seam attack designed to control the middle and death overs. Captaincy duties fall to Mills, with John Simpson expected to keep wickets.

Sussex predicted playing XI: Harrison Ward, Daniel Hughes, Tom Clark, James Coles, Tom Alsop, John Simpson (wk), Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Tymal Mills (c), Jack Carson, Brad Currie, Ollie Robinson

Recent Performance

Lord’s typically offers a balanced surface, with early movement for seamers and grip for spinners later in the innings. The square boundaries are longer, so shot placement and running between the wickets will be critical. With overcast conditions predicted for the day and a chance of afternoon showers, both sides may opt to bowl first to exploit any assistance from the weather.

The average first-innings score at Lord’s stands at 171, with the highest T20 Blast total at the venue being 237/6, set by Essex in 2023. A target in the 170–180 range is likely to be considered competitive under current conditions.

Of the 44 domestic T20 matches played at Lord’s, 25 have been won by the team batting first. However, with cloud cover expected, bowling first could prove advantageous in this fixture.

Prediction

Looking at head-to-head results, Sussex have had the better of Middlesex in recent seasons, winning four of their last five meetings, including a win in the 2023 edition. While Middlesex possess a lineup capable of springing surprises, especially with players like Williamson now in the mix, Sussex appear more balanced and settled ahead of the opener.

Prediction: Sussex are favorites to win the opening match against Middlesex.