Northamptonshire vs Lancashire, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2023, Today Match Prediction

north vs lancs Match Prediction & Analysis

Northamptonshire Steelbacks must deliver a strong performance as they face Lancashire Lightning in the 73rd game of the Vitality T20 Blast 2023 at their home ground. The hosts lost the last game against Birmingham Bears, and a loss here will end their chances of making it to the next round. Lancashire Lightning defeated the Worcestershire Rapids in the last game after four consecutive losses.  

Lancashire Lightning have won the last four out of six games against the Northamptonshire Steelbacks, which will make them confident. The Steelbacks have had a poor record at home this year, with three losses in four games. The stakes are high for both teams, especially the Steelbacks, making it an important contest for both.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Northamptonshire Preview

David Willey's side is in trouble after their 30-run loss to Birmingham Bears in the last game. They have won only thrice in the eight games they have played. The side has suffered due to the inconsistency of their big players this season. Willey will aim for a big win here as they look to move up on the points table and improve their run rate.  

Chris Lynn is going through a poor run, and he must set up a big opening wicket stand with Emilio Gay at the top. The side will need a good show in the middle order from Josh Cobb, Willey, and Saif Zaib must do well in this game, having failed in the last couple of games. They will also need runs from Tom Taylor and Lewis McManus in the lower middle order.  

The side will expect good spells with the new ball from Josh Cobb and David Willey, as Lancashire has a strong batting line-up. Freddie Heldreich did well in the last game and will have an important role in the middle orders along with Tom Taylor and Alex Russell. Saib Zaib and Andrew Tye must do well in the supporting role.

Northamptonshire Predicted Playing XI:

David Willey (c), Emilio Gay, Chris Lynn, Josh Cobb, Saif Zaib, Lewis McManus (wk), Tom Taylor, Andrew Tye, James Sales, Alex Russell, Freddie Heldreich

Northamptonshire Actual Playing XI:

Andrew Tye, Ricardo Vasconcelos, Tom Taylor, Ben Sanderson, Freddie Heldreich, Saif Zaib, Justin Broad, David Willey, Emilio Gay, Chris Lynn, Lewis McManus

Lancashire Preview

Liam Livingstone's ended its four-game losing spree as they defeated Worcestershire Rapids by 4 wickets. It was a much-needed win for a side with the strongest batting line-up in the tournament. Livingstone would like to use this momentum and improve their position on the points table with a big win in this game.  

Jos Buttler played well in the last game, and he will look to offer a good start with his hard-hitting partner Philip Salt. They have a strong middle order and shall look for runs from Steven Croft, Darryl Mitchell, and Luke Wells. Livingstone must do well in the finishers' role with Colin de Grandhomme and Tom Hartley.  

Bowling has been a weakness for the team, and they will need tight spells and wickets with the new ball from Jack Blatherwick and Luke Wood. Tom Hartley and Luke Wells bowled well in the last game. They have depth in this attack and shall expect a good show from Livingstone, de Grandhomme, and Rob Jones. 

Lancashire Predicted Playing XI:

Liam Livingstone (c), Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Croft, Luke Wells, Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Rob Jones, Tom Hartley, Luke Wood, Jack Blatherwick

Lancashire Actual Playing XI:

Steven Croft, Luke Wood, Tom Hartley, Luke Wells, Rob Jones, Jos Buttler, Dane Vilas, Philip Salt, Daryl Mitchell, Liam Livingstone, Jack Blatherwick

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The skies over Northampton would have slight cloud cover, which might assist the bowlers. The surface will be good to bat on, and the ball will come onto the bat nicely. The side batting first in this game shall aim to put 170 runs or more on the surface.

Venue Details

County Ground, Northampton, has a small outfield, and batsmen have always enjoyed batting on this surface. Fast bowlers who swing the ball do well at this venue in the early overs of the game. Spinners need to use their variations as the venue's small size makes life difficult for them.

Toss: To Bowl

In the past, we have seen sides chasing the score have winning games. It has been a difficult wicket at the start, but the conditions have improved as the game progresses. Hence, the side that wins the toss in this game would like to take advantage of the conditions and bowl first.