Vitality Blast 2019, Gloucestershire vs Middlesex, Surrey vs Glamorgan, Yorkshire Vikings vs Lancashire: Preview, predictions

Three games of Vitality Blast 2019 are scheduled for July 25: Gloucestershire vs Middlesex at Cheltenham, Surrey vs Glamorgan at The Oval, and Yorkshire Vikings vs Lancashire at Headingley.

Gloucestershire vs Middlesex, Cheltenham

Gloucestershire are yet to play a full game in Vitality Blast 2019. Their only match against Glamorgan saw Benny Howell running through the Glamorgan line-up. He was well supported by his colleagues in the match and this could be an asset for the team. If the bowling unit shows consistency and the batters, led by Michael Klinger, click, the team will be steady.

Middlesex started off the season with two convincing wins against Essex and Surrey. Dawid Malan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman have been the consistent performers. Tom Helm and Nathan Shower continued to take important wickets in both matches. Overall Middlesex look set to clinch a hat-trick.

Last Season: Gloucestershire 165/4 (18.4) beat Middlesex 160/7 (20) by 6 wickets, Gloucestershire 242/4 (20) beat Middlesex 172/6 (20) by 30 runs

Players to watch: Michael Klinger (Gloucestershire), Dawid Malan (Middlesex)

Prediction: Middlesex to take revenge.

Surrey vs Glamorgan, The Oval

Surrey have lost both their matches this season. However, the good news is that Tom Curran seemed back on track in the last fixture against Middlesex. But the batting order is not in form and failing to deliver as a unit. Aaron Finch’s consistency is a major factor.

Glamorgan did not have a good start to this season either. They had a decent outing against Somerset, especially their batsmen, before collapsing against Gloucestershire. They were 96/8 when the game was stopped due to rain. Colin Ingram is their main man whereas the bowlers need to gear up.

Last season: Glamorgan 195/6 (19) beat Surrey 194/4 (20) by 4 wickets; Surrey 60/0 (5 overs, target 37) beat Glamorgan 183/3 (20) by 24 runs

Players to watch: Tom Curran (Surrey), Colin Ingram (Glamorgan)

Prediction: Surrey to win a tight match.

Yorkshire Vikings vs Lancashire, Headingley

Yorkshire have experienced a mixed outing so far. Their first match was washed out; they lost the second one to Derbyshire; and finally, they beat Leicestershire. Adam Lyth has been a consistent performer with David Willey being effective with ball. The good part is that Yorkshire top order clicked in the last game. A little more control from the bowling department will help.

Lancashire began the season with a win over Durham. While this was an all-round show, Matt Parkinson’s 3/30 was the star performance. No wonder the focus would be to repeat the same against Yorkshire in this somewhat low-profile Roses War.

Last Season: Lancashire 176/2 (20) beat Yorkshire 175/4 (14) by 1 run; Lancashire 185/4 (17.4) beat Yorkshire 181/9 (20) by 6 wickets.

Players to watch: Adam Lyth (Lancashire), Glenn Maxwell (Lancashire)

Prediction: Lancashire to win.