Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire 1st Semi-Final ODI Match Prediction 2026
The Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire prediction for the first semi-final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 points towards a closely fought knockout contest at Grace Road, Leicester. The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 16, with Leicestershire enjoying home advantage after finishing top of Group A. Nottinghamshire finished third in the same group but earned their semi-final place after defeating Yorkshire by three wickets in the quarter-final. Both teams have shown impressive batting depth during the competition, although their routes to the semi-final have been different.
Leicestershire secured direct qualification by finishing first in Group A, winning five of their eight matches and benefiting from a superior Net Run Rate when three teams finished level on points. Nottinghamshire, meanwhile, had to negotiate a difficult quarter-final against Yorkshire and produced an outstanding recovery after being reduced to 26/4 while chasing 274. Kyle Verreynne and Jack Haynes responded brilliantly, scoring centuries to guide Nottinghamshire home with eight balls remaining. Verreynne has been one of the tournament’s leading batters, scoring 548 runs in nine innings at an average of 91.33.
Leicestershire will rely heavily on Hamza Shaikh, who has accumulated 405 runs at an average of 81.00, while Rishi Patel has provided an aggressive option with two centuries. The bowling contest is equally interesting. Alex Green leads Leicestershire’s wicket-takers with 14 wickets, while Ian Holland has claimed 11. Nottinghamshire have several experienced bowling options, including Dillon Pennington, Brett Hutton and Olly Stone. Pennington has taken nine wickets in only four appearances and has recorded two four-wicket hauls. The teams have already met once in the competition, with Nottinghamshire winning by five wickets.
Historically, Nottinghamshire also hold a slight advantage in the One Day Cup, winning six of their ten meetings against Leicestershire. However, the hosts will be determined to use their home advantage and reach the final. Nottinghamshire arrive with momentum after their impressive quarter-final victory, while Leicestershire have had extra preparation time after qualifying directly. With both teams possessing quality batters and wicket-taking bowlers, the semi-final could go down to the final stages. Based on recent form, head-to-head advantage and Nottinghamshire’s impressive quarter-final performance, our Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire prediction is Nottinghamshire to win and reach the final.
Match Details
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire |
| Match | 1st Semi-Final ODI |
| Tournament | England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Time | 3:30 PM |
| Venue | Grace Road, Leicester |
| Format | ODI |
| Nottinghamshire | 3rd in Group A |
| Leicestershire | 1st in Group A |
| Prediction | Nottinghamshire to Win |
Leicestershire Preview
Leicestershire have enjoyed an excellent England Domestic One Day Cup campaign and finished at the top of Group A. Three teams finished level on points, but Leicestershire secured first position because of their superior Net Run Rate.
Their campaign began with consecutive victories, including a five-wicket win over Surrey. They then suffered back-to-back defeats, one of which came against Nottinghamshire.
Leicestershire responded strongly by winning three matches in succession. However, they suffered a surprise defeat against Kent in their final group fixture.
Despite that result, their overall campaign was strong enough to secure direct qualification for the semi-final.
The batting has been led by Hamza Shaikh, who has scored 405 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 81.00. He has also recorded a century.
Rishi Patel has contributed 293 runs and has produced two important centuries against Surrey and Northamptonshire.
Ben Cox has added 229 runs and provides stability in the middle order.
Captain Stephen Eskinazi has had a quieter campaign by his standards, scoring 190 runs at an average of 27.14. Ian Holland and Nick Kelly have contributed 148 and 146 runs respectively.
The batting lineup has enough depth to recover from difficult situations.
The bowling department has been led by 19-year-old medium-pacer Alex Green. He has taken 14 wickets and is currently the team’s leading wicket-taker.
Ian Holland has also been reliable with 11 wickets, while Ben Green and Ajaz Patel have taken eight wickets each.
Leicestershire’s varied bowling attack will need to be at its best against a Nottinghamshire batting lineup that has shown considerable resilience.
Their home advantage could also prove important. Playing at Grace Road gives Leicestershire familiarity with the conditions and an opportunity to use the surface to their advantage.
The biggest challenge will be stopping Kyle Verreynne, who has been one of the tournament’s most consistent batters.
Rishi Patel could also put pressure on the Nottinghamshire bowlers during the early stages because of his attacking approach.
If Leicestershire can take early wickets and prevent Nottinghamshire from building partnerships, they have a strong chance of reaching the final.
Key Players
- Hamza Shaikh: 405 runs at an average of 81.00.
- Rishi Patel: 293 runs and two centuries.
- Alex Green: 14 wickets.
- Ben Green: 8 wickets and useful lower-order batting.
Leicestershire Squad
Stephen Eskinazi (C), Rishi Patel, Tom Scriven, Hamza Shaikh, Nick Kelly, Ben Cox (WK), Ian Holland, Ben Green, Ajaz Patel, Mohammed Rizvi, Alex Green.
Leicestershire Probable Playing XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stephen Eskinazi (C) | Batter |
| 2 | Rishi Patel | Batter |
| 3 | Tom Scriven | All-rounder |
| 4 | Hamza Shaikh | Batter |
| 5 | Nick Kelly | Batter |
| 6 | Ben Cox (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 7 | Ian Holland | All-rounder |
| 8 | Ben Green | All-rounder |
| 9 | Ajaz Patel | Bowler |
| 10 | Mohammed Rizvi | Bowler |
| 11 | Alex Green | Bowler |
Nottinghamshire Preview
Nottinghamshire have produced one of their strongest campaigns in the competition for several years. They finished third in Group A, level on points with the group leaders, before defeating Yorkshire by three wickets in the quarter-final.
Their quarter-final victory demonstrated the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Chasing 274 against Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire were in serious trouble at 26/4. Benjamin Martindale, Freddie McCann and Haseeb Hameed were all dismissed for one run or fewer.
Kyle Verreynne and Jack Haynes then produced a remarkable recovery.
Verreynne scored 105 from 123 balls, while Haynes remained unbeaten on 120 from 100 deliveries.
Their partnership transformed the match and helped Nottinghamshire reach 277/7 with eight balls remaining.
Verreynne has been Nottinghamshire’s standout batter throughout the competition. He has scored 548 runs in nine innings at an outstanding average of 91.33.
He has registered one century and five half-centuries, making him one of the tournament’s most consistent performers.
Captain Haseeb Hameed and Freddie McCann have both scored 304 runs, while Benjamin Martindale has contributed 293.
Lyndon James has also added 201 runs.
George Munsey has made a strong impact since joining the team, scoring 200 runs in four innings, including an impressive 138 against Surrey.
The bowling attack has also performed well as a collective unit.
James Hayes leads the team’s wicket-taking figures with 12 wickets, while left-arm spinner Joseph Pocklington has taken 10.
Dillon Pennington, Brett Hutton and Farhan Ahmed have each claimed nine wickets.
Pennington has been especially impressive, taking nine wickets in four matches and recording two four-wicket hauls.
Brett Hutton has provided excellent control and has conceded only 3.76 runs per over during the competition.
That economy could prove particularly valuable against Leicestershire’s attacking batting lineup.
Nottinghamshire will also carry confidence from their previous meeting with Leicestershire, where they secured a five-wicket victory.
Although Leicestershire have home advantage, Nottinghamshire’s recent quarter-final performance gives them significant momentum.
The combination of Verreynne’s consistency, Haynes’ recent century and an experienced bowling attack makes Nottinghamshire a dangerous knockout opponent.
Key Players
- Kyle Verreynne: 548 runs at an average of 91.33.
- Jack Haynes: Unbeaten 120 in the quarter-final.
- George Munsey: 200 runs in four innings.
- Dillon Pennington: 9 wickets in four matches.
Nottinghamshire Squad
Benjamin Martindale, Freddie McCann, George Munsey, Haseeb Hameed (C), Kyle Verreynne (WK), James Hayes, Farhan Ahmed, Olly Stone, DY Pennington, Lyndon James, Brett Hutton.
Nottinghamshire Probable Playing XI
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Benjamin Martindale | Batter |
| 2 | Freddie McCann | Batter |
| 3 | George Munsey | Batter |
| 4 | Haseeb Hameed (C) | Batter |
| 5 | Kyle Verreynne (WK) | Wicketkeeper-Batter |
| 6 | James Hayes | All-rounder |
| 7 | Farhan Ahmed | Bowler |
| 8 | Olly Stone | Bowler |
| 9 | Dillon Pennington | Bowler |
| 10 | Lyndon James | All-rounder |
| 11 | Brett Hutton | Bowler |
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – Nottinghamshire
Nottinghamshire are our favourite team for this semi-final because they have strong recent momentum and have already defeated Leicestershire in the group stage.
Their quarter-final victory against Yorkshire was particularly impressive. After slipping to 26/4 while chasing 274, Kyle Verreynne and Jack Haynes produced centuries to take Nottinghamshire across the line.
Verreynne has been outstanding throughout the tournament, scoring 548 runs at an average of 91.33.
George Munsey has also provided attacking power at the top of the order, while Haseeb Hameed and Freddie McCann have both passed 300 runs.
The bowling attack provides another advantage. Dillon Pennington has taken nine wickets in four matches, while Brett Hutton has been extremely economical.
Leicestershire finished top of the group and will have home advantage, but Nottinghamshire have the psychological advantage of their earlier five-wicket victory.
Their knockout experience and current batting form make them narrow favourites.
Pitch Report
The match will be played at Grace Road, Leicester. The supplied information does not provide specific pitch statistics or a detailed surface report. Both teams have strong batting units, so building partnerships should be important during the semi-final. Nottinghamshire’s recent quarter-final chase showed that their batters can recover from difficult situations, while Leicestershire have several players capable of producing big scores. The bowling attacks on both sides also possess wicket-taking options. Alex Green has been particularly successful for the hosts, while Dillon Pennington has produced important spells for Nottinghamshire. Adaptability and disciplined bowling could therefore prove decisive.
Weather Report
| Weather Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Grace Road, Leicester |
| Date | Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
| Match Time | 3:30 PM |
| Match | 1st Semi-Final ODI |
| Location | Leicester |
Broadcast Details
The Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire 1st Semi-Final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, August 16 at Grace Road, Leicester. According to the supplied match details, FanCode is the broadcaster for the contest. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM. Fans can follow the semi-final through the listed broadcasting platform.
Toss Prediction
Toss Prediction: Nottinghamshire to win the toss. The toss could influence the semi-final, particularly because both teams have strong batting lineups. Nottinghamshire may prefer to use the conditions according to the match situation and could look to put early pressure on Leicestershire. The hosts have the advantage of playing at Grace Road, but Nottinghamshire have already defeated them once in the competition. The side that handles the opening phase better could gain an important advantage in this knockout contest.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
| Category | Player | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top Batter | Kyle Verreynne | Nottinghamshire | 548 runs at 91.33 |
| Top Batter | Hamza Shaikh | Leicestershire | 405 runs at 81.00 |
| Key Batter | Jack Haynes | Nottinghamshire | 120* in quarter-final |
| Key Batter | Rishi Patel | Leicestershire | 293 runs and two centuries |
| Top Bowler | Alex Green | Leicestershire | 14 wickets |
| Top Bowler | Dillon Pennington | Nottinghamshire | 9 wickets in 4 matches |
| Key Bowler | James Hayes | Nottinghamshire | 12 wickets |
| Key Bowler | Ian Holland | Leicestershire | 11 wickets |
Kyle Verreynne is the standout batting option for Nottinghamshire. He has scored 548 runs in nine innings at an average of 91.33 and produced a crucial century in the quarter-final against Yorkshire.
Jack Haynes also enters the contest with excellent confidence after remaining unbeaten on 120 from 100 balls in the quarter-final.
For Leicestershire, Hamza Shaikh has been their most consistent batter, scoring 405 runs at an average of 81.00. Rishi Patel has also registered two centuries and can provide attacking intent at the top.
With the ball, Alex Green leads Leicestershire with 14 wickets, while Ian Holland has taken 11.
Nottinghamshire have James Hayes at the top of their season wicket-taking figures with 12 wickets. Dillon Pennington has also been highly effective, taking nine wickets from only four appearances and recording two four-wicket hauls.
Brett Hutton’s economy rate of 3.76 makes him another important option.
Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire Winning Chances
| Team | Winning Chances | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Nottinghamshire | 67% | Strong recent form, quarter-final victory and previous win over Leicestershire |
| Leicestershire | 33% | Home advantage, top Group A finish and strong batting lineup |
Why Nottinghamshire Can Win
Nottinghamshire have significant momentum after their impressive quarter-final victory over Yorkshire.
Kyle Verreynne and Jack Haynes produced centuries under pressure, while the bowling attack has several wicket-taking options.
They also defeated Leicestershire by five wickets during the group stage.
Why Leicestershire Can Win
Leicestershire finished top of Group A and have the advantage of playing at Grace Road.
Hamza Shaikh has scored 405 runs, while Rishi Patel has registered two centuries.
Alex Green leads their bowling attack with 14 wickets.
The hosts therefore possess enough quality to challenge Nottinghamshire, particularly if their top order gets a strong start.
Nottinghamshire vs Leicestershire Match Prediction
Nottinghamshire are predicted to defeat Leicestershire in the first semi-final of the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026. Leicestershire finished top of Group A and will have home advantage, but Nottinghamshire enter the knockout clash with excellent momentum after defeating Yorkshire by three wickets. Kyle Verreynne has scored 548 runs, while Jack Haynes arrives after an unbeaten 120. Nottinghamshire also defeated Leicestershire by five wickets earlier in the tournament. Our prediction is Nottinghamshire to win and reach the final.
Match Winner: Nottinghamshire
Winning Chances: Nottinghamshire 67% | Leicestershire 33%
Toss Prediction: Nottinghamshire
Score Prediction: Nottinghamshire 240+ | Leicestershire 235+
Top Batter: Kyle Verreynne
Top Bowler: Alex Green
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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