Vitality Blast 2019, Gloucestershire vs Hampshire, Derbyshire vs Worcestershire: Preview, predictions

On August 13, after all the teams have a Monday off, Gloucestershire will host Hampshire at Bristol, while Derbyshire will host defending champions Worcestershire Rapids at Derby.

Gloucestershire vs Hampshire at County Ground, Bristol

A win against Hampshire will take Gloucestershire past Somerset into the top four in the South Division – behind Sussex, Middlesex, and Kent. However, Gloucestershire have played at least one match more than each of the other sides in the group.

Hampshire, on the other hand, are 2 points behind the hosts while having played a match fewer. A win here will keep them in the hunt for a quarter-final spot.

Last season: Gloucestershire 144/8 (20) lost to Hampshire 147/4 (16.5) by 5 wickets at Rose Bowl

Players to watch: David Payne (Gloucestershire), Liam Dawson (Hampshire)

Prediction: Gloucestershire to win a close match

Derbyshire vs Worcestershire Rapids at County Ground, Derby

With 7 points from 8 matches, Derbyshire are languishing at eighth place in the North Division. However, a win against Worcestershire will help them leapfrog past Northamptonshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Durham, and reach fourth spot.

Worcestershire are sitting smugly at third, behind Lancashire and Nottinghamshire, though they are tied on points with the latter. A big win here will help them inch forward towards sealing a quarterfinal berth.

This season: Derbyshire 156/4 (20) lost to Worcestershire 159/8 (19) by 2 wickets at New Road

Players to watch: Leus du Plooy (Derbyshire), Riki Wessels (Worcestershire)

Prediction: Worcestershire to win