Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
Where can I get tickets for the T20 Blast? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for the T20 Blast
What channel is the T20 Blast on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to show the T20 Blast so it is worth checking their schedule here
Where can I stream the T20 Blast in the UK? Matches that are televised on Sky Sports can be streamed live on Sky Go. If not televised on Sky, this match can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of each competing team
THE FIXTURES
Below is a list of the day’s North Group fixtures:
Birmingham Bears vs Durham - 14:30 BST
Derbyshire Falcons vs Worcestershire Rapids – 14:30 BST
Lancashire Lightning vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks - 14:30 BST
Notts Outlaws vs Leicestershire Foxes – 14:30 BST
BIRMINGHAM BEARS vs DURHAM
THE PREDICTION
Birmingham Bears’ incredible comeback victory away at Notts Outlaws on Friday night secure them top spot and a home quarter-final in the North Group with a game to spare. Despite that, they will want to finish on a high note against Durham, who in contrast are out of top four contention. Durham certainly don’t contain the star power and momentum that Birmingham Bears do and the hosts will want to enter the knockout stage on the back of a positive result. The all-round quality of their side with both bat and ball should see them do just that.
TIP: BIRMINGHAM BEARS TO WIN
DERBYSHIRE FALCONS vs WORCESTERSHIRE RAPIDS
THE PREDICTION
Derbyshire Falcons’ thumping 71-run win against Leicestershire Foxes last time out, combined with Worcestershire Rapids’ DLS-affected tie vs Durham makes this encounter a winner-takes-all affair. Whoever comes out on top will go through to the quarter-finals, whilst a loss for Derbyshire Falcons would see them eliminated, although the Rapids could still qualify regardless of this result should Notts Outlaws fail to beat Leicestershire Foxes. With three wins from their last four T20 Blast games, Derbyshire are building up a head of steam at just the right time, their batting really clicking into gear. Overseas bowler Zaman Khan has improved hugely with every game, whilst opener Tom Wood is coming off the back of an unbeaten hundred. Whilst Worcestershire pose a huge challenge, they have failed to win their last two T20 Blast fixtures, putting in sub-par performances and with home advantage in the Falcons’ favour, backing them may prove the smart move.
TIP: DERBYSHIRE FALCONS TO WIN
LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING vs NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STEELBACKS
THE PREDICTION
Lancashire Lightning were frustrated by the Roses match at Emirates Old Trafford being washed out and will be chomping at the bit to get out onto the field against Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Two points for the Red Rose in this one would guarantee a home quarter-final, which would be absolutely vital when considering that they haven’t lost at Emirates Old Trafford in three years. That record certainly doesn’t look like coming to an end vs the Steelbacks, who must win and hope both Notts Outlaws and Derbyshire Falcons lose to sneak into the top four of the North Group through the back door. That isn’t likely though with Lancashire Lightning such a formidable side and with T20 run machines right down their order to go alongside a seasoned bowling attack. Expect a home victory.
TIP: LANCASHIRE LIGHTNING TO WIN
NOTTS OUTLAWS vs LEICESTERSHIRE FOXES
THE PREDICTION
Despite Shaheen Shah Afridi’s stunning four wickets in the first over of Birmingham Bears’ run chase at Trent Bridge which reduced them to 7/4 chasing 169, incredibly Notts Outlaws failed to finish the job. The Bears recovered dramatically and ultimately went on to win by two wickets, reaching their target in the final over. International commitments mean that was Shaheen’s final appearance for Notts and his absence will be felt here on in with the ball for Notts Outlaws. However, they couldn’t ask for better opposition in a down and out Leicestershire Foxes, who have lost 11 of their 13 North Group fixtures. Despite their inconsistency, Notts Outlaws should have reasonably little trouble beating their East Midlands rivals.
TIP: NOTTS OUTLAWS TO WIN
