Vitality Blast 2019, Nottinghamshire v Northamptonshire, Birmingham Bears v Derbyshire, Sussex v Hampshire: Preview, predictions

Three Vitality fixtures are scheduled for July 24. Nottinghamshire Outlaws and Birmingham Bears will host Northamptonshire Steelbacks and Derbyshire Falcons respectively. The last clash will see Sussex Sharks and Hampshire contesting in the second match after the first being cancelled due to rain.

Nottinghamshire Outlaws vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks, Nottingham

Nottinghamshire lost their first match of Vitality Blast 2019 against Worcestershire and their second against Yorkshire was washed out. For Nottinghamshire, while their bowlers did a decent job, the batsmen failed. The line-up had only one good scorer in Alex Hales who added a 34-ball 52 runs. Harry Gurney continued where he ended in the last edition as the best bowler of the side. It is just the beginning of the tournament and Nottinghamshire would like to start delivering their best at the soonest.

For Northamptonshire also the bowlers delivered in the first match against Durham but the batsmen failed to chase down. Northampton bowlers restricted Durham to 148 runs. But a collapse at the top order handed over the match to the opponents. The skipper, Josh Cobb had a good outing with the ball but needs to score runs like the last edition to have a steady innings.

Last season: Nottinghamshire 219/6 (20) beat Northamptonshire 161 (17.3) by 58 runs.

Players to watch: Harry Gurney (Nottinghamshire), Josh Cobb (Northamptonshire)

Prediction: Northamptonshire to take revenge.

Birmingham Bears vs Derbyshire Falcons, Birmingham

The Bears tasted their first win in Vitality Blast 2019. Their match against Leicestershire saw Birmingham Bowlers showcasing a brilliant performance to restrict the former to only 115 runs. After taking two wickets Ashton Agar contributed with a smooth 41 off 28. But Fidel Edwards was the star bowler with four scalps for 22 runs. With the bowling unit looking at par, the top order needs to act on stability.

Derbyshire also kicked off this season with a convincing win against Yorkshire. It was a wonderful team performance that helped Derbyshire to clinch a victory by five wickets. Mark Watt (4/19) was well accompanied by Ravi Rampaul and Logan van Beek. The in-form Billy Godleman will be their man even in this match.

Last season: Derbyshire 143/9 (20) beat Birmingham Bears 127/9 (20) by 16 runs.

Players to watch: Billy Godleman (Derbyshire), Ashton Agar (Birmingham Bears)

Prediction: Derbyshire to win.

Sussex Sharks vs Hampshire, Brighton

The first fixture between Sussex and Hampshire was abandoned due to rain on July 19. The runners-up from last season are all set to clinch the title this time. Luke Wright’s experience of playing leagues across the world is certainly an asset for the team. Laurie Evans is expected to lead the batting department even in this season. Sussex will miss Jofra Archer but Rashid Khan and Alex Carey will be their star attractions.

Hampshire lost their second match of the season to Kent by two wickets. They could only manage two wins last year and will be determined to change the fate this time. James Vince at one down did justice to that position but the openers had a poor show. The bowlers did try to defend that total although the efforts were not enough. Liam Dawson can be the key player with his all-rounder skills.

Last season: Sussex 161/2 (18.2) beat Hampshire 158/7 (20) by 8 wickets.

Players to watch: Alex Carey (Sussex), Liam Dawson (Hampshire)

Prediction: Sussex to win.