Yorkshire vs Lancashire – 12 Aug 2025 Metro Bank One‑Day Cup Preview & Prediction
Introduction
The Roses rivalry moves to Clifton Park in York on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, when Yorkshire host Lancashire in a pivotal Metro Bank One‑Day Cup Group B clash. York is a relatively new venue on the county circuit, yet it has hosted some high‑scoring games and provides a festival atmosphere. The hosts have started the competition perfectly with two commanding victories and sit top of the group, while their visitors have one win from their opening match after their first fixture was washed out. With first ball at 11:00 BST, local bragging rights, momentum and early control of the group are all on the line.
Yorkshire recent form
Yorkshire’s form reads L W L W W across their last five one‑day games. The Vikings suffered a heavy defeat to Glamorgan last August before rebounding to beat Warwickshire and Northants either side of the winter. They began the 2025 campaign in ruthless fashion. Against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road they piled on 374/5, inspired by Pakistan opener Imam‑ul‑Haq’s 159 and quick runs from James Wharton (66) and Matthew Revis (69). Left‑arm spinner Dan Moriarty’s 4‑38 and seamer Benjamin Cliff’s 2‑30 then dismantled the Steelbacks for 172. Earlier in the week they chased 185 with ease against Warwickshire, winning by five wickets with more than 100 balls to spare. Captain Dom Bess believes his side look “a team of men” now, praising the clarity of roles and the more aggressive batting template. With Imam‑ul‑Haq, Will Luxton and James Wharton anchoring the top order and multi‑talented all‑rounders Matthew Revis and George Hill providing balance, Yorkshire appear well‑drilled.
Lancashire recent form
Lancashire come in with results of L W W A W. They finished bottom of their group last year but showed improvement under interim coach Steven Croft. A washout against Northants was followed by a hard‑fought victory over Somerset at Taunton. Chasing 251, overseas skipper Marcus Harris struck a fluent 95 while all‑rounder George Balderson added 65 in a 101‑run stand. New off‑spinner Arav Shetty underlined his promise with three wickets in Somerset’s innings, while seamer Josh Davey chipped in with two. Lancashire also beat Worcestershire and Northants at the tail end of the 2024 competition and will be buoyed by their narrow successes. However, they are missing several regulars to The Hundred; stalwart opener Josh Bohannon manages the top order but the batting lacks depth beyond Harris and Balderson. The young bowling attack led by left‑arm pacer Tom Bailey and Shetty will need to find consistent line and length on a true pitch.
Pitch & conditions at Clifton Park
Clifton Park in York is a picturesque ground with small boundaries and a flat strip that generally favours batsmen. Data from the last ten one‑day games at the venue shows an average first‑innings score of 276 and nine wickets falling per innings. Scores tend to drop markedly for teams chasing, with second‑innings totals averaging just 188 and significantly fewer boundaries. The highest List A total recorded here is 311/6, while the lowest is 134/10. Seamers enjoy some movement with the new ball but there is little pace after the first powerplay, so spinners and cutters come into play later. Batting first is usually advantageous because the pitch can slow down under afternoon heat. Weather forecasts for York on 12 August are dry with mild temperatures around 22 °C and a gentle breeze — ideal for run‑scoring.
Prediction and Dream11 fantasy picks
Yorkshire are unbeaten and brimming with confidence, while Lancashire are still bedding in a youthful squad. The hosts’ top order looks formidable with Imam‑ul‑Haq in sublime touch and James Wharton and Will Luxton providing stability. Their bowling attack boasts variety: left‑arm pace from Cliff, seam‑swing from George Hill, spin from Dan Moriarty and off‑spin from skipper Dom Bess. Lancashire will lean heavily on Marcus Harris and George Balderson to anchor the innings, and Arav Shetty needs to continue his wicket‑taking form. Given recent form and home advantage, Yorkshire are slight favourites; expect them to set a target around 280–300 if they bat first. Lancashire’s best chance is to bowl first and exploit any early seam movement.
Dream11 fantasy team (small league)
- Wicketkeeper: George Bell (LAN) – technically sound gloveman who can contribute handy runs in the middle order.
- Batters: Imam‑ul‑Haq (YOR, captain), James Wharton (YOR), Marcus Harris (LAN, vice‑captain), George Balderson (LAN) – picks combine form and batting positions.
- All‑rounders: Matthew Revis (YOR), George Hill (YOR) – both offer run‑scoring power and wicket potential; Revis bowls at the death.
- Bowlers: Dan Moriarty (YOR), Benjamin Cliff (YOR), Arav Shetty (LAN), Tom Bailey (LAN) – mix of spin and seam options who are likely to bowl their full quota.
Captain choice: Imam‑ul‑Haq has the technique to score a big hundred on a flat surface. Vice‑captain: Marcus Harris has been Lancashire’s form batter and plays a similar role.
Final word
Another Roses showdown beckons as Yorkshire and Lancashire resume their century‑old rivalry in the Metro Bank One‑Day Cup. With both sides chasing knockout qualification, expect a competitive encounter full of runs, tactical bowling changes and momentum swings. Can Yorkshire maintain their perfect start, or will Lancashire’s overseas stars inspire an upset? Tune in from 11:00 BST at York’s Clifton Park to find out.
