Vitality Blast 2019, Middlesex vs Hampshire, Sussex vs Essex: Preview, predictions

Vitality Blast 2019, Middlesex vs Hampshire, Sussex vs Essex: Preview, predictions

Vitality Blast

Vitality Blast 2019 has reached the last phase of the group stage. August 22 will see two matches at Lord’s and Hove- Middlesex vs Hampshire and Sussex vs Essex.

Middlesex vs Hampshire, Lord’s

Middlesex will obviously begin the match with an advantage after winning six fixtures out of 10. On the other hand, Hampshire are at sixth place with just eight points from the same number of matches as their opponents. Middlesex will focus to make their position stronger. Hampshire, with a very little chance of making to the top four, will keep the hunt on.

Last season: Hampshire 184 (20) beat Middlesex 163/9 (20) by 21 runs.

Middlesex 165/8 (20) beat Hampshire 143 (18.5) by 22 runs.

Players to watch: Mujeeb Ur Rahman (Middlesex), Liam Dawson (Hampshire)

Prediction: Middlesex to win.

Sussex vs Essex, Hove

This one sided game will see the topper from South Group fighting with the eight ranked team of the table. Sussex faced their only defeat of this season in their last match played against Surrey. Now they will look for a strong comeback and this fixture is the best option. Essex will try to put a good fight for the sake of pride although even the past record is not with them.

Last season: Sussex 181/6 (20) beat Essex 145 (19.4) by 36 runs.

Players to watch: Alex Carey (Sussex), Cameron Delport (Essex)

Prediction: Sussex to win.