Worcestershire vs Northamptonshire, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2021, Today Match Prediction 18 June 2021

wor vs north Match Prediction & Analysis

The Northamptonshire Steelbacks couldn’t have begun their Vitality T20 Blast 2021 in any worse way, having lost all their first 4 matches. They are yet to open their account and are languishing at the bottom of the North Group points table with a miserable NRR of -1.477. They will be hoping for better fortunes when they go to New Road to play against the Worcestershire Rapids. The Rapids have had a decent time so far in the tournament, even though they are coming off a big loss. But they have already beaten Northamptonshire once this season and playing at home, they will have the advantage in this encounter.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Worcestershire Preview

The Worcestershire Rapids began the new season with a tied match against Nottinghamshire. They then won two games in a row – against Northamptonshire and Lancashire– and looked in a good rhythm. However, in their last match against Yorkshire, they were walloped by 94 runs at home. After conceding 216 runs with the ball, Worcestershire was bundled out for just 122 in their chase. They would now be hoping to make a comeback in this match.

In their previous match against Northamptonshire this season which they won, captain Moeen Ali had led from the front with a fine 52 off 30 balls. He’s easily the most vital part of the team’s batting unit along with opener Brett D'Oliveira who is their leading run-scorer this season with 109 runs. Riki Wessels is also a solid presence at the top but they would need more contributions from Ross Whiteley and Ben Cox.

On the bowling front, Charlie Morris has been their most dependable weapon, taking 7 wickets at 8.33 followed by Ben Dwarshuis (6 wickets at 8.86). Moeen has done a decent job with his spin and has been economical but fellow spinner Ish Sodhi needs to be better – he went for 53 runs in his 4 overs against Yorkshire.

Worcestershire Predicted Playing XI:

Riki Wessels, Brett D'Oliveira, Moeen Ali (c), Jake Libby, Ben Cox (wk), Ross Whiteley, Ed Barnard, Ben Dwarshuis, Ish Sodhi, Dillon Pennington, Charlie Morris

Northamptonshire Preview

4 matches and 4 losses. Things aren’t looking good at all for the Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Their batting, in particular, has been pretty mediocre. No batsman has yet crossed the 100-run mark this season – their highest run-getter is Josh Cobb with 91 runs in 2 matches. Unfortunately, he too has missed out on the last couple of games due to injury. 

In their last match against Derbyshire, Northamptonshire could only muster 141-8 on the board and the opposition chased that target down with 10 balls and 5 wickets to spare. Openers Richard Levi and Adam Rossington fell without scoring in the last game and Wayne Parnell, Rob Keogh, and Saif Zaib didn’t do anything of note either. Only Ricardo Vasconcelos has looked a little steady but his strike rate of just a 100 needs to improve.

The team’s bowling has been better with Ben Sanderson having 5 wickets in his kitty and Wayne Parnell and Graeme White picking 4 wickets apiece so far. Parnell was exceptional in the last match with a spell of 1-15 in his 4 overs but got little support. Spinner Mohammad Nabi, in particular, has to a better job at the start.
 

Northamptonshire Predicted Playing XI:

Richard Levi, Adam Rossington (c & wk), Ricardo Vasconcelos, Wayne Parnell, Rob Keogh, Saif Zaib, Mohammad Nabi, Tom Taylor, Graeme White, Nathan Buck, Ben Sanderson

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at County Ground generally offers something for both the batsmen and the bowlers. Batsmen who can get set will find it much easier. Seam bowlers and even medium pacers will get some purchase from the wicket but it should favor the batsmen more.

The weather at Worcester is expected to be pleasant and free from rain. We should get a full game.
 

Venue Details

The County Ground has seen some huge totals in the T20 Blast. In the last match, Yorkshire amassed 216 -6 after batting first. But the highest total on this venue in the tournament is Lancashire’s 229-4 in the 2014 season. Moreover, totals of 200+ have been chased down twice here in the T20 Blast. So the team batting first in this match has to target of total around 180-190 runs at least.  
 

Toss: To Bowl

The teams chasing have usually had a better time on this venue, so winning the toss and batting second should be the way to go.
 

WOR vs NORTH
Winning Prediction

In the last 4 completed matches between Worcestershire Rapids and Northamptonshire Steelbacks, both the Worcs and Northants have won 2 games each. The Rapids will have the edge because they got the better of the Steelbacks the last time they met this season. Moreover, they are playing at home and have a more settled unit. Northamptonshire is all over the place at the moment and haven’t got their act together. Expect Worcestershire to dominate this match.

Worcestershire Rapids should emerge as the winners.

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