Yorkshire vs Lancashire Prediction, Players, Standings, Odds: 17/7/2025

Lancashire Lightning are gearing up for a spirited showdown with arch-rivals Yorkshire Vikings, as the two sides prepare to face off once more in the T20 Blast 2025 North Group. The upcoming contest, set to unfold at Headingley, offers Lancashire a shot at redemption after their 19-run loss to Yorkshire in their earlier meeting at Old Trafford — a game where the Vikings successfully defended a hefty total of 236.

That loss marked Lancashire’s second consecutive defeat while bowling first, having conceded over 200 runs in back-to-back matches. However, they responded with a convincing performance against Durham, restricting their opponents to just 155 runs — a result that helped restore confidence within the camp.

Meanwhile, Yorkshire come into this encounter on the back of a disappointing defeat, having posted only 151 after a top-order collapse. The pressure will be on them to rebound quickly as both sides chase vital points in the playoff race.

Yorkshire: Top-Order Talent, Middle-Order Uncertainty

The Vikings have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but consistency remains elusive. Their batting firepower is undeniable — especially when top names like Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, and Will Luxton are firing. In their previous clash against Lancashire, Bairstow notched a century while Luxton stayed unbeaten on 90, propelling Yorkshire to a commanding 236-run total.

They’ll again look to that trio to lay a solid platform. Supporting them are Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique and Australian all-rounder Will Sutherland, both capable of maintaining momentum through the middle overs.

Yet, constant tinkering in the middle and lower order has disrupted rhythm. James Wharton and Shafique have struggled to find form, raising concerns about Yorkshire’s ability to capitalize when their top order doesn’t deliver.

With the ball, the Vikings rely heavily on Daniel Moriarty, Jordan Thompson, and Sutherland. Though none have been particularly prolific in recent outings, they offer pace, variation, and lower-order hitting — all crucial ingredients in T20 success.

Yorkshire Predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Dawid Malan (c), William Luxton, Abdullah Shafique, James Wharton, Will Sutherland, Dominic Bess, Jordan Thompson, Jafer Chohan, Matt Milnes, Daniel Moriarty

Lancashire: Depth in Form and Firepower

Lancashire Lightning currently sit atop the North Group standings, boasting eight wins from 12 matches. Their campaign has been defined by depth, discipline, and a potent mix of experience and youth across all departments.

Veteran pacer James Anderson was back to his economical best in their last game, conceding just 22 runs in four overs. Alongside him, Chris Green delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 15 — helping skittle Durham for a modest total and confirming the bowling unit’s resurgence.

Skipper Keaton Jennings will be counting on that trio — Anderson, Green, and Luke Wood — to contain a Yorkshire lineup that can quickly run away with the game. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, aside from a blip against Yorkshire, has been a reliable wicket-taking option and adds variety to the attack.

Lancashire’s batting looks particularly formidable. Openers Phil Salt and Jennings provide an aggressive start, with Jos Buttler — one of the most dangerous T20 batters in world cricket — slotting in at number three. The middle order is anchored by all-rounders Luke Wells and Ashton Turner, the latter known for explosive finishes. With Green also capable with the bat at number seven, Lancashire have significant depth that allows for flexibility in chasing or setting targets.

Lancashire Predicted XI: Keaton Jennings (c), Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Ashton Turner, Luke Wells, Michael Jones, Chris Green, Jack Blatherwick, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley, James Anderson

Conditions and Toss Strategy

The weather in Leeds could prove tricky, with light rain forecast during match hours and temperatures expected to peak at 23°C. The potential for a rain delay looms large, and the match could be shortened — adding another strategic wrinkle.

Headingley is renowned as a high-scoring venue in T20 cricket. Teams batting first have passed the 200-run mark in four of the last five games played here. While the surface offers value for stroke play, chasing big totals under pressure has proven difficult.

With a historical edge for sides batting first — who’ve won four of the five T20 Blast matches here this season — the toss could prove decisive. Teams winning the toss are likely to opt to bat first and put scoreboard pressure on their opponents.

Toss Prediction: Bat First
Average 1st Innings Score (last 10 T20s at Headingley): 170

Prediction: Lancashire Slight Favourites

While both teams possess match-winners and explosive batting potential, Lancashire appear to hold the edge thanks to greater squad balance and form across departments. Their ability to bounce back from defeats and adapt to different match situations has been a standout feature of their campaign.

Yorkshire, by contrast, remain overly reliant on their top three to post competitive totals. If Lancashire’s bowlers can remove Bairstow and Malan early, the Vikings may find it difficult to recover.

Prediction: Lancashire Lightning to win.