Vitality Blast 2019, Derbyshire v Yorkshire, Kent v Somerset: Preview, predictions

There are two matches scheduled for the third day of Vitality Blast 2019. From North Group Derbyshire Falcons and Yorkshire Vikings will face each other whereas from South Group (N) it will be a clash between Kent and Somerset.

Derbyshire Falcons vs Yorkshire Vikings, Chesterfield

After a poor campaign last year, Derbyshire Falcons will aim for a better showcase this time. Last year they finished at seventh in the ranking table with five win, seven defeats, and two wash-outs. Wayne Madsen was their best batter with 328 runs and Alex Huges was the best bet with ball. Billy Godleman is in great form and Billy Stanlake is expected to have a great summer yet again! This is the first match for the Falcons this year and will have slight advantage of having an idea about the opponents playing their second.

For Yorkshire this will be their match of Vitality Blast 2019. Their first match will be played on July 19 against Nottinghamshire. Last time Yorkshire were one win short of qualifying to the knock-out stage. So the focus is clear enough; the idea is to start from where it ended. Nicholas Pooran is the star player of Yorkshire this time. Pooran hit his maiden international century against Sri Lanka in World Cup 2019. His form will be a major force for Yorkshire. Adam Lyth who scored the most runs (401) for the Vikings last time will be a key player this time as well. They have game changers like Steven Patterson who scalped 12 wickets last season and Adil Rashid with international status.

Last Season:Derbyshire  170/5 in 19.5 overs beat Yorkshire 166/8 in 20 overs by 5 wickets

Derbyshire  179/7 in 17 overs beat Yorkshire 102 in 14 overs by 77 runs

Players to watch : Billy Godleman (Derbydhire), Nicholas Pooran (Yorkshire)

Predictions: Yorkshire can turnaround results this time.

Kent vs Somerset, Canterbury

Kent’s dream run was ended by Lancashire last year in the quarter-final. But their eight wins included a daunting one over Somerset at Taunton by eight wickets. This will keep them somewhat ahead of their oppoenents in this match. Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond always provide good start. In fact, Joe Denly was the key player for Kent last time with both bat and ball, scoring 409 runs and picking 20 wickets. The eyes will be on Mohammad Nabi as well. The all rounder has improved with time and his stint in World Cup 2019 was quite impressive. He is able to give necessary breakthroughs, and can carry the innings if required.

Somerset beat Glamorgon to start their Vitality campaign 2019. Last season, saw them topping South Division but losing in the semi-final against Sussex Sharks. This time they would not afford to do anything wrong. Tom Banton scored 64 off 34 along with the 38-year old veteran Peter Trego’s 47 off 31 to win the match. Even Babar Azam looked in good touch which would be an asset for Somerset even in the match against Kent. Their top order is in good shape with strong bowling unit and Roelof van der Merwe has proved it amidst the run fest.

Last Season: Kent 163/2 in 16.3 overs beat Somerset 159/6 in 20 overs by 8 wickets

Kent 231/5 in 20 overs beat Somerset 226/5 in 20 overs by 5 runs

Players to watch : Mohammad Nabi (Kent), Babar Azam (Somerset)

Predictions: Somerset will capitalize on their good start.