The Leicestershire Foxes have made the worst possible start to Vitality Blast 2023. They have lost three games out of three and are bottom of the table in Group North with 0 points and a horrible net run rate of -2.369. The Foxes will take on the Derbyshire Falcons at Grace Road, Leicester on June 1. Derbyshire have also lost each of the three games they have played so far. They are in seventh place currently, with a net run rate of -1,049.
Leicestershire Preview
Leicestershire haven’t won the Vitality Blast since 2011. And with the kind of start they’ve had to this season, they need to bounce back quickly if they’re seriously thinking of winning a fourth title. The Foxes are coming off a 33-run loss to Worcestershire Rapids at home, where they went just 150-9 while chasing a target of 184.
So far his hitting hasn’t skyrocketed, with no batter hitting even a fifty. Rishi Patel, who hit 42 of 29 balls in the last match, is his leading rusher this season with 77 runs in 3 innings at an average of 25.66.
Captain Colin Ackermann has yet to impress, but he was the team’s leading scorer last season with 367 runs in 13 innings at an average of 30.58 and a strike rate of 131. Another batsman we think can make an impact is starter Nick Welch, who had 173 runs in 5 innings last season at a healthy 43.25 average and 158.71 strike rate.
Naseem Shah has been an excellent addition to the team. The young Pakistani sprinter signed a short-term deal as cover for Naveen-ul-Haq abroad from Afghanistan, who is expected to join the team 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 to play XI:
Nick Welch, Soloman Budinger, Arron Lilley, Colin Ackermann (c), Wiaan Mulder, Rishi Patel, Rehan Ahmed, Harry Swindells (week), Callum Parkinson, Naseem Shah, Will Davis
W. Mulder
14
13
1
0
107.69
Derbyshire Preview
In their previous game against Northamptonshire at the County Ground, Derby, the Derbyshire Falcons could only manage 151-6 after being asked to bat first. Northamptonshire went after the target with two overs and six wickets to spare. This is Derbyshire’s third consecutive defeat, and they desperately need to get their campaign back on track.
One of Derbyshire’s bright spots in their defeat against Northamptonshire was Wayne Madsen’s performance. The seasoned batsman hit a smooth 57 off 46 balls and held the innings together. Madsen was also the team’s second-highest run accumulator last season, hitting 499 runs in 15 innings at an average of 38.38 and a strike rate of 165.23. He looks great and will be the team’s most important hitter to watch out for in this game.
Captain Leus du Plooy has yet to get going this season, but he is just one good shot away from getting back into his groove. He had a wonderful last season, where he broke 340 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 147.18.
21-year-old Pakistani fast bowler Zaman Khan has been leading his bowling department this year. He has 5 wickets in 3 innings with an economy of 8. Right-arm fast bowler Zak Chappell has been a capable ally, taking 4 wickets in 3 innings at an economy of 8. However, Derbyshire bowlers’ economy has been on the higher side and that’s a great area of concern.
Derbyshire predicted to play XI:
Luis Reece, Haider Ali, Wayne Madsen, Leus du Plooy (c), Anuj Dal, Zak Chappell, Brooke Guest (week), Mattie McKiernan, Mark Watt, George Scrimshaw, Zaman Khan
W. Madsen
57
46
5
3
123.91
HOUR
Temperature
Rain
west speed
westbound
clouds
00h
6
0mm.
3.16k/h
From: NE
14%
03h
6
0mm.
2.87km/h
From: NN
40%
06h
8
0mm.
4.33k/h
From: NE
59%
9am
eleven
0mm.
5.42k/h
From: NE
99%
12 noon
fifteen
0mm.
5.45k/h
From: NE
96%
3:00 p.m.
17
0mm.
5.59k/h
From: NE
43%
6pm
fifteen
0mm.
5.46k/h
From: NE
44%
9pm
8
0mm.
3.9k/h
From: NE
eleven%
weather conditions
The platform at Grace Road is usually good for batting with some help for seam bowlers, especially when the ball is new. The bowlers may get some movement in the opening overs, but once the batsmen settle down they will be able to make plenty of runs.
The weather during the match is expected to be slightly cloudy, but there is no chance of rain.
Venue Details
The average score in the first innings at Grace Road in Leicester in the Vitality Blast is 147. However, the highest total posted on the venue is a massive 255-2 Yorkshire v Leicestershire in 2019. The highest target chased here is 204 by Leicestershire in the first 2011 Vitality Blast quarter-final. here you should look to set a target of around 175 runs.
Launch: bowling
Grace Road in Leicester generally favors the side chase. Of the 52 national T20 matches played here, 28 were won by the team batting second. YoIn the Vitality Blast, the chasing team has won 44% of the matches at the venue. Therefore, the team that wins the toss is likely to play first.
Leicestershire have a 19-14 lead over Derbyshire. However, Derbyshire have won four of the last five games they have played against Leicestershire. Both teams will be desperate to win here. Derbyshire’s batting appears to have more depth, at least on paper. Their bowling alley also looks a bit better compared to Leicestershire. The Foxes will enjoy home advantage but we believe it will be Derbyshire who will dominate this game.
Derbyshire returns as the winner of this contest.
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