Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | North Group: Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids at a Glance

• The T20 Blast was won by Northamptonshire in 2013 and 2016 and by Worcestershire in 2018.
• Last season, both teams’ campaigns ended in the group stages.
• After winning the title in 2014, Northamptonshire has just once in the previous seven seasons qualified for knockouts, while Worcestershire has failed to qualify in the previous three seasons.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids Team Preview

Northamptonshire Steelbacks

The Steelbacks almost missed the knockout stage by one point last season with six victories, six losses, and two no-results. They will use their lack of success as proof that they were close to having a successful season and that they had already begun recruiting before this one.

The big-hitting Australian Chris Lynn will be back in Northamptonshire for this season, although it will be difficult to match his outstanding 64.50 average from the previous year. David Willey, the team’s newly appointed captain, is likewise capable of making big runs from any position in the order.

Worcestershire Rapids

Since Moeen Ali left Worcestershire at the end of the previous season to play for Birmingham Bears, the county has a new leader. For this year’s competition, the team that has signed three excellent foreign players will be led by Brett D’Oliveira.

Last year, the Rapids’ most significant problem was scoring runs, with Colin Munro leading the team with 323 runs. They only managed two victories in 2022, so they’ll be counting on international stars Azhar Ali and all-around Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner to contribute significantly.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids Team Playing Squads

Northamptonshire Steelbacks Squads

Northamptonshire Steelbacks

Chris Lynn, Rob Keogh, Saif Zaib, Mathew Kelly, David Willey, Ben Sanderson, Lewis Manus, Tom Taylor, Josh Cobb, Graeme White, Ben Curran, Freddie Hilderich

Worcestershire Rapids Squads

Worcestershire Rapids

Ed Pollock, Jack Haynes, Ben Cox, Azhar Ali, Michael Santner, Michael Bracewell, Charlie Morris, Jack Libby, Josh Baker, Brett Oliveria, Dillon Pennington

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids outfield report

  The County Ground Northampton

At this location, teams will choose to bowl first because they won’t be familiar with the available pitch conditions, and we anticipate the captains to continue the previous trend of chasing in this game.

On the day of the game, Northampton will see bright and sunny weather.

We anticipate a good batting pitch because the average first innings score in T20 cricket at this location last year was 196.

Northamptonshire Steelbacks vs Worcestershire Rapids Final Prediction

Winning the toss

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks

Player of the Match

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Saif Zaib

Most sixes

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Saif Zaib
• Worcestershire Rapids – Brett D’Oliveira

Most wickets

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Ben Sanderson
• Worcestershire Rapids – Joe Leach

Most runs

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks – Saif Zaib
• Worcestershire Rapids – Brett D’Oliveira

Team Scores Batting First

• Northamptonshire Steelbacks – 175+
• Worcestershire Rapids – 165+

According to our prediction, Northamptonshire Steelbacks will win this match.