Vitality Blast 2019, Yorkshire vs Northamptonshire, Hampshire vs Middlesex, Surrey vs Essex, Kent vs Gloucestershire: Preview, predictions

An interesting day for Vitality Blast fans as three South Group matches are scheduled for August 29. Since all the teams except the topper, have equal opportunity to qualify to the quarterfinals, this day will be vital.

Yorkshire vs Northamptonshire, Leeds

While Yorkshire have no chance of qualifying to next level, Northampshire still have a mathematical chance. Though it will largely depend on other teams as well, they must go for wins in their remaining two fixtures. Recent form wise, Yorkshire have an advantage but their win will only contribute to Northamptonshire’s chance of elimination. This will be the second meeting of these teams in this edition; first match was abandoned.

Last season: Yorkshire 132/4 (18.4) beat Northamptonshire 129/7 (20) by 6 wickets.

Yorkshire 165/3 (15.3) beat Northamptonshire 162/8 (20) by 7 wickets.

Players to watch: Josh Cobb (Northamptonshire), Adam Lyth (Yorkshire).

Prediction: Yorkshire to win.

Hampshire vs Middlesex, Southampton

This match is vital for both teams. With both teams having two games apiece in hand and chances of qualifying to quarterfinals, both will give their hundred percent. For both, this is a must win game as the group is still wide open. Middlesex standing at fifth position certainly will start as favorites, but anything can happen. Their last meeting saw Hampshire winning it by seven wickets. On the other hand, Middlesex lost their last two encounters.

Last season: Hampshire 184 (20) beat Middlesex 163/9 (20) by 21 runs.

Middlesex 165/8 (20) beat Hampshire 143 (18.5) by 22 runs.

Players to watch: Kyle Abbott (Hampshire), Paul Stirling (Middlesex).

Prediction: Hampshire to win.

Surrey vs Essex, The Oval

Once again a close fixture between two South Division teams is scheduled for the day. The only advantage Essex have is that they have still two matches to play whereas Surrey have only one. But lately, Surrey have been in a good form which may give some headache to Essex. On the other hand, Essex managed to win their first game against Surrey in this edition by 52 runs. So clearly a close match will be on display.

Last season: Surrey 222/4 (20) beat Essex 183/7 (20) by 39 runs.

Surrey 159/4 (20) beat Essex 157/5 (20) by 6 wickets.

Players to watch: Aaron Finch (Surrey) ,Tom Westley (Essex)

Prediction: Surrey to win.

Kent vs Gloucestershire, Canterbury

The most interesting match of the day will be staged at Canterbury.  The second placed team of South Division, Gloucestershire will be fighting with the third ranked team, Kent. Both have 14 points each and technically have played the same number of matches although Kent have won more matches than the former. Gloucestershire have been a bit lucky to get three matches with no results and one tied match. But the way they have made it to the top two even after playing lesser, that shows their caliber. This will be a tight fixture as all the others in the table have a chance of qualification.

Last season: Gloucestershire 184/7 (20) beat Kent 179/8 (20) by 5 runs.

Gloucestershire 164/2 (19.2) beat Kent 160/5 (20) by 8 wickets.

Players to watch: Imran Qayyum (Kent), Tom Smith (Gloucestershire)

Prediction: Gloucestershire to win.