Vitality Blast T20 Match Preview: Nottinghamshire Outlaws vs Lancashire Lighting

    The clash between the two most successful teams in the history of competition will be seen again at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, as their first encounter with each other this season

    Notts Outlaws' Joe Clarke during the Vitality Blast T20 north group match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham Notts Outlaws' Joe Clarke during the Vitality Blast T20 north group match at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

    Since the inaugural of the Blast, Nottinghamshire has won 129, whereas Lancashire has won 125. Only Indian Premier League teams Chennai Super Kings (136) and Mumbai Indians (140) have more wins than any side in world cricket. Both the teams finished first and third in the previous season and would hope for similar outings. 

    Nottinghamshire Outlaws have won North Group in two of the three seasons, indicating their strength in this format. Blessed with the top-order, their batting line-up consists of Joe Clarke, Alex Hales, Ben Duckett and Samit Patel, with all-rounder Dan Christian back as captain. They started their campaign with a four-wicket win over Worcestershire and no result in second to be in 2nd spot in the table. They will be favourites to win with home conditions favouring them. 

    On the other hand, Lancashire Lighting started their campaign with a 12-run win over Worcestershire with fascinating innings from Richard Gleeson and Tim David. Liam Livingstone is expected to come and fire after having a favourable time in IPL 2022. They stand third in the group table with one match ending in a tie. They would love to sustain their unbeaten start in the tournament.

    Pitch Report

    Trent Bridge is ideal for batting, and a run-fest can be expected. With little to no help for bowlers, they might struggle to bowl in the right areas. Captain winning toss might look to bowl, with batting conditions more favourable in the second innings. Inclement weather concerns can shorten the game, with DLS likely to come into play.

    In the two clashes of the previous season, the two teams played out a tie in the first one. However, Nottinghamshire came out to win the second one by seven runs at Trent Bridge itself. With cracking history from the previous season, their clash at this venue makes it a contest to witness. 

     

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