Vitality Blast 2019, all eight matches: Preview, predictions

Eight fixtures are scheduled for August 16, at Old Trafford, Manchester; County Ground, Northampton; Trent Bridge, Nottingham; County Ground, Taunton; Headingley, Leeds; County Ground, Chelmsford; Rose Bowl, Southampton; and St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury.

Lancashire vs Birmingham Bears

This is going to be an interesting encounter. The table topper Lancashire will be facing Birmingham Bears placed at the sixth position. The only defeat for Lancashire came in this season against the Bears. Whereas the Bears will try to repeat the result once more, Lancashire will focus on improving the reputation.

Last season: Lancashire 185/5 (20) beat Birmingham Bears 148 (19.5), Lancashire 102 (19) lost to Birmingham Bears 105/3 (14.1)

Players to watch: Jeetan Patel (Birmingham), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)

Prediction: Lancashire to win this time.

Northamptonshire vs Leicestershire

Northamptonshire will host Leicestershire this time in their second encounter of the season. The first match between these two ended with no results. Both are close competitors placed at seventh (Leicestershire) and eighth (Northamptonshire) position on the table so a neck-to-neck encounter can be expected.  

Last season: Leicestershire 219/6 (19.4) beat Northamptonshire 218/3 (20) by 4 wickets, Leicestershire 193/6 (20) beat Northamptonshire 176/9 (20) by 17 runs

Players to watch: Arron Lilley (Leicestershire), Josh Cobb (Northamptonshire)

Prediction: Leicestershire to win.

Derbyshire vs Nottinghamshire

Derbyshire will like to improve their position after three defeats. Nottinghamshire, on the other hand, are just behind Lancashire and already won the first fixture of this season against Derbyshire. They will start with an edge for sure.

Last season: Nottinghamshire 175/8 (19) beat Derbyshire 139/9 (19) by 39 runs (D/L method), Nottinghamshire 166/5 (20) beat Derbyshire 157/8 (20) by 9 runs

Players to watch: Ravi Rampaul (Derbyshire), Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire)

Prediction: Nottinghamshire to win.

Somerset vs Gloucestershire

This south group fixture between the fourth and fifth ranked team will be a close one. Interestingly, the fifth team, Somerset won more matches than Gloucestershire. Thanks to two games with no results and one tied match, Gloucestershire could reach to top four. Somerset will definitely try to win this to claim fourth place.

Players to watch: Eddie Byrom (Somerset), David Payne (Gloucestershire)

Prediction: Somerset to win.

Durham vs Yorkshire

Durham vs Yorkshire will most likely see an one sided game at Leeds. For the last team on table Yorkshire, the challenge will be to repeat last season results, Durham look stable to clinch this win.

Last season: Yorkshire 200/3 (20) beat Durham 156/4 (20) by 44 runs, Yorkshire 157/6 (20) beat Durham 147/6 (20) by 10 runs

Players to watch: Liam Trevaskis (Durham), Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Yorkshire)

Prediction: Durham to win.

Essex vs Glamorgan

Two teams at the bottom will fight this one for pride. Their first meeting ended with no result. Essex won two matches till now whereas Glamorgan failed to register even one in this season. Essex will be favorites and Glamorgan will fight for one win.

Last season: Glamorgan 171/8 (20) beat Essex 167 (20) by 2 wickets, Glamorgan 198/7 (20) beat Essex 192/6 (20) by 6 runs

Players to watch: Cameron Delport (Essex), Graham Wagg (Glamorgan)

Prediction: Essex to win

Hampshire vs Surrey

Another close encounter is scheduled for the day. Both teams have the potential to win this match. Good news for Surrey is that they have won their last match against Glamorgan. On the other hand, Hampshire have lost three consecutive matches. Surrey have a good chance to win this one.

Last season: Surrey 136/3 (17.3) beat Hampshire 133/7 (20) by 7 wickets

Players to watch: Liam Dawson (Hampshire), Sam Curran (Surrey)

Prediction: Surrey to win.

Kent vs Sussex

Finally, the most exciting match of the day is scheduled at the end. Kent’s undefeated journey was troubled by Sussex. Since that defeat to Sussex Kent lost two more matches. No wonder Sussex will begin with an advantage whereas Kent will hunt for the lost glory.

Last season: Kent 99/2 (11.2) vs Sussex (no result), abandoned without a ball bowled

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

Prediction: Kent to take revenge