About the Match
The NatWest T20 Blast continues to roll on and is quickly becoming one of the most exciting T20 tournaments in recent memory. In this match, we have the as yet unbeaten Derbyshire Falcons taking on the Lancashire Lightning in Manchester.
Match Preview
Lancashire Lightning
After a strong start to the tournament, Lancashire has failed to win its last two matches, losing one and tying one against Yorkshire in a rain affected match. This has meant that they sit near the bottom half of their group in these early stages of the tournament, something that they would like to change as soon as possible.
Lancashire has a very strong batting unit lead by Jos Buttler and they have scored over 170 in all the three matches they have played. Buttler is supported by the likes of Brown, Lilley, Livingstone, and Vilas all of whom have scored runs when they have got the opportunity.
The bowling for Lancashire has been a bit of a problem but with Junaid Khan in the side, they would hope to rectify that as well. Danny Lamb and Jordan Clark are the two bowlers that have looked most impressive up until now picking wickets and giving away runs at less than 7.50 runs per over as well.
We have a feeling that Buttler is batting a little too low in this lineup and may need to shift himself a little more towards the top of the order so that he is able to face the maximum possible deliveries.
Derbyshire Falcons
Not too much was expected of Derbyshire coming into the NatWest T20 blast but they have got off to a fantastic start. Two wins from two matches including against the fancied Yorkshire team and defending champions Northamptonshire has made every other team take notice of Derbyshire.
The biggest strength for them so far has been their bowling attack that comprises of International quality like Matt Henry, Imran Tahir, and Hardus Viljoen. Henry has in fact not been the most consistent up until now but it is just a matter of time before he hits his stride as well.
Wayne Madsen was expected to be the lynchpin of Derbyshire batting but Luis Reece has supported him ably up until now and taken a lot of pressure off of him. There is a definite lack of striking power, particularly at the top of the order, in this Derbyshire team but they have been able to compensate for it by their bowling and fielding up until now.
It remains to be seen if they can continue to punch above their weight.
Pitch and Conditions
Rain played spoilsport in Lancashire’s last match against Yorkshire and it looks like the same will be the case in this match. Scattered showers throughout the entire match day are forecast and so the team winning the toss may choose to bowl first.
The pitch itself is expected to flat and good for batting.
Our Prediction
Lancashire to win
