Vitality T20, Match Preview: Lancashire Lightning vs Northamptonshire Steelbacks (Old Trafford)
The 38th match of Vitality T20 Blast will see a clash between Lancashire Lightning and Northamptonshire Steelbacks from the North group, hosted at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on 3rd June
Lancashire's Liam Livingstone winning the Vitality Blast T20 matchLancashire Lightning is yet to lose a match in the competition. They have won three of the four games, with one ending in a tie against Yorkshire. Leading the North group table with 7 points, they have a net run rate of 1.45. Coming off after defeating Derbyshire in their previous game, they will be carrying reasonable confidence. They posted a target of 219 to win the game by 17 runs. Liam Livingstone is in good touch with the bat, whereas Tom Hartley is doing decently well with the bat and will be the player to follow.
On the other hand, Northamptonshire Steelbacks bounced back in the tournament after having a losing start against Warwickshire. They have two wins, one loss, and one match ending in no result in the four games played to rank third in the table with 5 points. They are also coming off having a comprehensive win over Leicestershire, posting a total of 227 owing to a sensational ton from Chris Lynn and winning the game by 42 runs.
Pitch Report
Batters enjoy the pitch at Emirates Old Trafford as the ball comes nicely on the bat. Bowlers often struggle here to find the best mark and get the breakthroughs. Not an ideal pitch for a game of cricket, and rain is also predicted during the match.
Both Lancashire and Northamptonshire are coming off a win from their previous fixture. Both are balanced sides, and one can expect a cracking contest. Being unbeaten, Lancashire has a slight edge in the contest and is expected to add two more points to their tally.