Vitality Blast 2019, all eight matches: Preview, predictions

There are eight matches of Vitality Blast 2019 scheduled for August 2. A few close encounters can be expected as teams will fight their close opponents on the table to better their rankings.

Durham vs Lancashire, Chester-le-Street

Durham won three matches out of the five they played so far. Lancashire also won three matches but their two matches were abandoned. This means Durham will be facing an undefeated team. Moreover, this is their second meet of the season as Durham were defeated in the first game. Lancashire will begin the match with an advantage but Durham have all the potential to take revenge.

Last season: Durham 154/7 (20) beat Lancashire 150/9 (20) by 4 runs.

Lancashire 143/6 (20) beat Durham 78 (15.2) by 65 runs.

Players to watch: Scott Steel (Durham), Steven Croft (Lancashire)

Prediction: Lancashire to win

Nottinghamshire vs Birmingham Bears, Nottingham

Both teams had mixed outings. Nottinghamshire played five games, won two, lost two and one was washed out. Birmingham, on the other hand, are almost following the same track; they played four matches, won two, lost one and the fourth match was cancelled. Both lost their respective last fixtures. In all likelihood, this will be a close match with the Bears having a slight edge due to the past records.

Last season: Birmingham 159/2 (20) beat Nottinghamshire 155/7 (17.2) by 8 wickets.

Birmingham 156/4 (16.2) beat 152/8 (20) by 6 wickets.

Players to watch: Fidel Edwards (Nottinghamshire), Alex Hales (Nottinghamshire)

Prediction: Bears to win.

Yorkshire vs Worcestershire, Leeds

Yorkshire have been fortunate so far as their two games were washed out. They could manage to win only one fixture out of the three they played. On the other hand, Worcestershire won three out of their five matches with one being abandoned. Clearly, Worcestershire are the favorites in this game as well. But Yorkshire will like to change their luck.

Last season: Yorkshire 179/7 (20) beat Worcestershire 167/8 (20) by 12 runs.

Players to watch: Adam Lyth (Yorkshire), Martin Guptill (Worcestershire).

Prediction: Worcestershire to win.

Essex vs Gloucestershire, Bristol

Essex and Gloucestershire already met once in this season of Vitality Blast but the match was abandoned.  Both won one match each so far although Essex faced more defeats. It is tough to pick one favorite between these two but going by the track Essex look a bit stronger.

Last season: Essex 172/7 (18.2)- No result.

Next match was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Players to watch: Cameron Delport (Essex), Steven Finn (Gloucestershire)

Prediction: Essex to win.

Somerset vs Surrey, Taunton

Another close match is on the plate for the viewers as Somerset will take on Surrey on August 2. Both managed to win one match apiece so far. This fixture is set for a neck to neck fight between the 7^th and 8^th ranked team in South Group and will play a key role in their future journey.

Last season: Surrey 102/1 (6.4) beat Surrey 99/6 by 9 wickets.

Somerset 177/6 (19.1) beat Surrey 176/9 by 4 wickets.

Players to watch: Babar Azam (Somerset), Aaron Finch (Surrey)

Prediction: Surrey to win.

Derbyshire vs Northamptonshire, Northampton

Derbyshire won their first match of the season and then lost three matches. Northamptonshire won two and lost a tight one just by seven runs to Durham. Northampton will go on to the field as favorites although this should be a tight encounter according to the past records.

Last season: Derbyshire 211/2 (20) beat Northamptonshire 180 (19.3) by 31 runs.

Northamptonshire 179/3 (18.2) beat Derbyshire 177/6 (18.2) by 7 wickets.

Players to watch: Billy Godleman (Derbyshire), Rob Keogh (Northamptonshire)

Hampshire vs Glamorgan, Southampton

Hampshire managed to win a close fixture against Somerset with three balls remaining. Their two defeats were decided by small margins. Glamorgan are yet to win a match with the earlier fixtures being totally one-sided. Hampshire are the clear favorites this time and will look for a convincing victory.

Last season: Glamorgan 168/6 (20) beat Hampshire 105(16.5) by 63 runs.

Glamorgan 155/2 (15.5) beat Hampshire 151/8 (20) by 8 wickets.

Players to watch: Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Colin Ingram (Glamorgan)

Prediction: Hampshire to win.

Sussex vs Kent, Brighton

The last fixture of the day is the most exciting one. Two undefeated teams will face each other to prove their supremacy. Whereas Sussex won two so far with one being tied and another being abandoned, Kent won all of their matches.  The first and third ranked teams on the table are expected to showcase a tight match with Kent being the favorites.

Last season: First match ended with no result.

Second match was abandoned.

Players to watch: Alex Carey (Sussex), Mohammad Nabi (Kent)

Prediction: Kent to win.