The Metro Bank One Day Cup returns on 5 August 2025 with a Group B clash between Durham and the Sussex Sharks. The match will be played at Roseworth Terrace, Gosforth, home of South Northumberland Cricket Club, and is scheduled to start at 11:00 UK time (15:30 IST). Durham were inaugural winners of the tournament in 2014 and reached the final in 2021, while Sussex are looking for their first one‑day trophy in over a decade. Both sides will be without several players due to The Hundred but still possess plenty of experience and young talent. Here’s how they shape up ahead of the opening fixture.
Form Guide
Durham enter the One Day Cup on the back of an excellent Vitality Blast campaign that saw them finish second in the North Group. They narrowly missed the knockout stages of last year’s One Day Cup but still collected four wins and carried momentum into this summer’s white‑ball cricket. Hundred call-ups have not ravaged the squad: wicketkeeper‑batter Ollie Robinson is available for his first One Day Cup since 2022, and South African quick Codi Yusuf strengthens the bowling attack.
- Durham were finalists in the 2021 One Day Cup and are aiming for their first white‑ball title since 2014.
- They won four matches in the 2024 tournament, missing the semi‑finals by a narrow margin.
- Strong form in this year’s Vitality Blast suggests short‑format momentum and confidence at home.
Sussex Sharks are looking to turn around a difficult spell across formats. They missed qualification for the T20 Blast quarter‑finals and suffered consecutive County Championship defeats. Last season they finished bottom of their One Day Cup group with only one win. The change of format and new head coach Grant Flower could provide a fresh start as they travel north to Gosforth.
- Sussex endured a rocky run recently: a heartbreaking Blast exit against Surrey followed by a heavy County Championship defeat to Yorkshire.
- They recorded just a single victory in last year’s One Day Cup and finished bottom of Group B.
- Captain Jack Carson leads a 13‑player squad including Carter, Clark, Crocombe, Foreman, Haines, Hudson‑Prentice, Ibrahim, Karvelas, Lamb, Lenham, Rogers and Tear.
Key Players
Durham
- Colin Ackermann – One of the most consistent top‑order batters in the competition, Ackermann averaged over 45 in last year’s tournament with a strike rate above 100. He has the ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when required, making him a valuable fantasy pick.
- Codi Yusuf – The overseas quick brings genuine pace and List A pedigree. He strikes once every 22 balls with an economy under 5 and an average around 18. Yusuf’s ability to take early wickets could put Sussex on the back foot.
- Ollie Robinson – Returning from Hundred commitments, the wicketkeeper‑batter adds stability and firepower. His experience in pressure situations and safe glove work will be vital for Durham.
Sussex Sharks
- John Simpson – One of Sussex’s few bright spots in last season’s One Day Cup, Simpson averaged 42.75 at a strike rate of 111.76. He has continued that form into the red‑ball season and will be key in anchoring the batting lineup.
- Henry Crocombe – A young seamer with a knack for breakthroughs, Crocombe took ten wickets in six games last year. While he can be expensive, his ability to strike makes him a potential match‑winner.
- Jack Carson – The off‑spinner and captain leads the Sharks for the first time. His leadership and guile with the ball will be crucial as Sussex look to contain a strong Durham batting unit.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Matches at Roseworth Terrace typically produce good batting surfaces. Recent List A games at the venue have seen first‑innings totals around 180–260, with chasing sides often prevailing. The track offers true bounce and value for shots, though the new ball may provide some seam movement. Spinners can get purchase later in the innings, making it a balanced surface. In the 2024 One Day Cup match here, Hampshire skittled Durham for 113 before chasing 257 with ease, highlighting the importance of adapting to conditions.
The weather in Gosforth on 5 August is forecast to be mild and partly cloudy, with temperatures around 20 °C and a gentle breeze. AccuWeather’s monthly outlook for Gosforth shows daytime highs of about 20 °C and lows around 12 °C during the first week of August. Rainfall is expected to be minimal, so fans should enjoy an uninterrupted day of cricket.
Durham vs Sussex Sharks: Prediction
Durham start as favourites thanks to their superior recent form and home advantage. They have momentum from a successful Blast campaign and a well‑balanced squad with experienced batters and potent seamers. Sussex, by contrast, are in rebuilding mode after a tough few weeks and a disappointing 2024 One Day Cup. If John Simpson and Tom Haines can provide a strong platform and Henry Crocombe strikes early, the Sharks could challenge. However, Durham’s depth and familiarity with conditions give them the edge. Expect the hosts to start their campaign with a win.
Dream11 Fantasy Picks
- Colin Ackermann – A reliable top‑order batter with a century and two fifties in last year’s tournament. He offers consistent runs and can anchor your fantasy team.
- Codi Yusuf – Durham’s strike bowler who boasts a wicket every 22 balls and an excellent economy rate. He can earn valuable fantasy points through wickets.
- John Simpson – Sussex’s dependable wicketkeeper‑batter with a healthy average and strike rate. His dual role ensures points from runs and dismissals.
With both teams eager to begin their One Day Cup campaigns strongly, this match promises an intriguing battle of youth and experience. Don’t miss the action from Gosforth as Durham and Sussex vie for early supremacy.
