Vitality Blast 2019, Worcestershire Rapids vs Derbyshire Falcons, Durham Jets vs Leicestershire Foxes: Preview, predictions

Two matches will be played on Wednesday in the Vitality Blast 2019: defending champions Worcestershire Rapids vs Derbyshire Falcons, Durham Jets vs Leicestershire Foxes

Worcestershire Rapids vs Derbyshire Falcons

Worcestershire are second in the North Group table. They’ve won two of their four matches, and have five points so far, three behind leaders Lancashire. So far, they have beaten Nottinghamshire by 28 runs and Durham by nine wickets. Their clash against Birmingham Bears was abandoned while their only loss so far came against leaders Lancashire, by 21 runs on the DL method. The Worcs batting has yet to really dominate, and that is one area where they’ll hope to improve on against Derbyshire.

The Falcons have had contrasting fortunes. In their four matches, they have lost two and shared points once. That means, with just three points, they’re near the bottom of the table, propped up by Leicestershire. A victory against the Worcs can, however, push them as high as second, and they’ll hope to do just that come Wednesday.

Last season: Derbyshire 135/9 (20) lost to Worcestershire 136/4 (18.4) by 6 wickets.

Worcestershire 137/8 (20) beat Derbyshire 121/7 (20) by 16 runs.

Players to watch: Luis Reece (Derbyshire), Martin Guptill (Worcestershire)

Prediction: Worcestershire to win.  

Durham Jets vs Leicestershire Foxes

Durham are bang in the middle of the Vitality Blast 2019 table. They have had an even-stevens season so far, with two wins and as many losses in four matches, which has put them at No.6 with four points. The problem for them has been they haven’t been able to get on a run – victory in the opener against Northamptonshire was followed by defeat to Lancashire. They bounced back against Leicestershire, but then succumbed to the Worcs. On that form, victory against the Foxes up next seems likely.

The foxes, meanwhile, desperately need a victory. They’re propping up the table with only one win in five matches, with three defeats leaving them rooted to the bottom. A victory against Durham up next, however, could push them up the table to No.2, even if temporarily. They arrested a run of three straight losses with victory over the Notts in their last match, and will look to build on that on Wednesday.

Last season: Durham 153/7 (20) beat Leicestershire 120 (18.3) by 33 runs

Durham 156/6 (20) beat Leicestershire 142/6 (20) by 14 runs

Players to watch: Arron Lilley (Leics), D’Arcy Short (Durham)

Prediction: Durham to win again.