Vitality Blast 2019, Leicestershire vs Birmingham Bears, Durham vs Northamptonshire, Kent vs Gloucestershire, Essex vs Somerset: Preview, predictions

August 7 will see four clashes of Vitality Blast 2019; Leicestershire vs Birmingham Bears, Durham vs Northamptonshire, Kent vs Gloucestershire, and Essex vs Somerset.

Leicestershire vs Birmingham Bears

The last win against Worcestershire is surely a boost for Leicestershire although they were beaten by Birmingham Bears in their first meeting of this season. On the other hand, after two defeats it was a tie for the Bears against Yorkshire. The tourists will focus on getting back on winning ways against comparatively easier opponents.  

Last season: Leicestershire 229/5 (20) beat Birmingham Bears 129 (15.2) by 100 runs

Birmingham Bears 146/2 14.2)  beat Leicestershire 143 (20) by 8 wickets

Key players: Arron Lilley (Leicestershire), Jeetan Paten (Birmingham Bears)

Prediction: Leicestershire to win.

Durham vs Northamptonshire

Durham will start as favorites in the encounter against Northamptonshire. The latter managed to get only one win so far whereas Durham had a mixed experience. The first encounter between these two in this season saw Durham clinching a close win by seven runs.

Last season: Durham 170/4 (20 overs) beat Northamptonshire 95 (17) by 75 runs

Durham 174/7 (20) beat Northamptonshire 162/9 (20) by 12 runs

Key Players:  Josh Cobb (Northamptonshire), Scott Steel (Durham)

Prediction: Durham to win.

Kent vs Gloucestershire

One close win and two loses, that’s the completed fixture results for Gloucestershire till now. Kent, on the contrary, are leading the South Group with six wins and one loss. This should be a one-sided game with Kent having all the advantage.

Last season: Gloucestershire 184/7 (20) beat Kent 179/8 (20) by 5 runs

Gloucestershire 164/2 (19.2) beat Kent 160/5 (20) by 8 wickets

Key Players: Benny Howell (Gloucestershire), Mohammad Nabi (Kent)

Prediction: Kent to win.

Essex vs Somerset

Essex and Somerset, in all likelihood, will stage a close fight. Both won two matches each with Essex losing three and Somerset losing four. Essex’s one match ended with no result. So clearly it is difficult to predict the result. Essex will start with a slight edge as they have won the last fixture.

Last season: Somerset 136/0 (11.2) beat Essex 135/9 by 10 wickets

Key Players: Cameron Delport (Essex), Babar Azam (Somerset)

Prediction: Essex to win