Leicestershire vs Derbyshire, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2023, Today Match Prediction

leic vs derby Match Prediction & Analysis

The Leicestershire Foxes have had the worst possible start to the Vitality Blast 2023. They have lost three games out of three and are at the bottom of the table in the North Group with 0 points and a horrible net run rate of -2.369. The Foxes will next take on the Derbyshire Falcons at Grace Road, Leicester, on the 1st of June. Derbyshire, too, have lost each of the three matches they have played so far. They are in seventh place currently, with a net run rate of -1.049.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Leicestershire Preview

Leicestershire haven’t won the Vitality Blast since 2011. And with the kind of start they have had this season, they need to pick up quickly if they are seriously eyeing a fourth title win. The Foxes are coming off a 33-run loss to Worcestershire Rapids at home, where they managed only 150-9 while chasing a target of 184.

So far, their batting hasn’t fired, with no batter yet to hit even a fifty. Rishi Patel, who hit 42 off 29 balls in the last match, is their leading run-getter this season with 77 runs in 3 innings at an average of 25.66. 

Captain Colin Ackermann hasn’t impressed yet, but he was the team’s highest scorer last season with 367 runs in 13 innings at an average of 30.58 and a strike rate of 131. Another batter we feel can make an impact is opener Nick Welch, who had 173 runs in 5 innings last season at a healthy average of 43.25 and a strike rate of 158.71. 

Naseem Shah has been an excellent addition to the team. The young Pakistani speedster has been signed on a short-term deal as cover for Afghanistan overseas Naveen-ul-Haq, who is expected to join the squad soon. Naseem has impressed with his speed and accuracy, and his performance will be key in this game. Left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson has done a fine job this season, bagging 5 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 6.63.

Leicestershire Predicted Playing XI:

Nick Welch, Soloman Budinger, Arron Lilley, Colin Ackermann (c), Wiaan Mulder, Rishi Patel, Rehan Ahmed, Harry Swindells (wk), Callum Parkinson, Naseem Shah, Will Davis

Leicestershire Actual Playing XI:

Sol Budinger, Naveen ul Haq, Callum Parkinson, Colin Ackermann, Wiaan Mulder, Nick Welch, Harry Swindells, Arron Lilley, Rishi Patel, William Davis, Rehan Ahmed

Derbyshire Preview

In their previous game against Northamptonshire at County Ground, Derby, the Derbyshire Falcons could manage only 151-6 after being asked to bat first. Northamptonshire chased the target with two overs and six wickets to spare. This is Derbyshire’s third straight loss, and they are in desperate need to get their campaign back on track.

One of the bright spots for Derbyshire in their loss against Northamptonshire was Wayne Madsen’s performance. The experienced batter scored a fluent 57 off 46 balls and held the innings together. Madsen was also the second-highest run-getter of the team last season, with 499 runs in 15 innings at an average of 38.38 and a strike rate of 165.23. He looks in great touch and will be the team’s most important batter to watch out for in this match.

Captain Leus du Plooy hasn’t gotten going this season yet but is just one good knock away from getting back into his groove. He had a wonderful last season, where he smashed 340 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.18.

21-year-old Pakistani fast bowler Zaman Khan has led their bowling department this year. He has 5 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 8. Right-arm fast bowler Zak Chappell has been an able ally, taking 4 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 8. However, the economy of Derbyshire’s bowlers has been on the higher side and that is one big area of concern.

Derbyshire Predicted Playing XI:

Luis Reece, Haider Ali, Wayne Madsen, Leus du Plooy (c), Anuj Dal, Zak Chappell, Brooke Guest (wk), Mattie McKiernan, Mark Watt, George Scrimshaw, Zaman Khan

Derbyshire Actual Playing XI:

Zak Chappell, Wayne Madsen, George Scrimshaw, Anuj Dal, Tom Wood, Brooke Guest, Zaman Khan, Luis Reece, Leus du Plooy, Mark Watt, Haider Ali

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The deck at Grace Road is typically good for batting with some assistance for the seam bowlers, particularly when the ball is new. Pace bowlers can get some movement in the initial overs, but once batters settle down, they will be able to make plenty of runs.

The weather during the match is expected to be a little cloudy, but there is no possibility of rain.

Venue Details

The average first-inning score at Grace Road in Leicester in the Vitality Blast is 147. The highest total posted at the venue, however, is a massive 255-2 by Yorkshire against Leicestershire in 2019. The highest target chased here is 204 by Leicestershire in the 1st Quarter Final of the Vitality Blast 2011. The team batting first here must look to set a target of around 175 runs. 
 

Toss: To Bowl

Grace Road in Leicester usually favors the side chasing. Out of the 52 domestic T20 matches played here, 28 have been won by the team batting second. In the Vitality Blast, 44% of the matches at the venue have been won by the team chasing. The team winning the toss here is hence likely to bowl first.