T20 Blast 2023: Lancashire vs Leicestershire – North Group Match Preview and Updates

Cricket

T20 Blast is one of the oldest T20 leagues, having begun in 2003 and becoming one of the most popular leagues on the English cricketing circuit. Leicestershire are set to begin their season with this match, and they have been very ordinary in the previous five years, with a solitary quarter-final appearance in 2020. Lancashire are the most consistent team in the same time frame, having made the play-offs in the last five seasons but were unlucky not to win a title, despite finishing runner-up last season. They will look to continue their winning streak from the first match in this match as well.

The North Group Match between Lancashire vs Leicestershire will take place on May 25th, 2023 at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester.

Match Details to Note

Match: Lancashire vs Leicestershire, North Group Match, T20 Blast 2023

Date: May 25, 2023 (Thursday)

Time: 11:00 PM IST

Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

Lancashire vs Leicestershire

Lancashire (Match Odds – 1.40):

Preview:

Lancashire chased down a good total of 180 runs in their previous game, with opener Luke Wells leading the team with 66 runs off 35 balls and setting the tone with a 59-run opening partnership with George Bell inside the first 5 overs. Daryl Mitchell (31 runs), Colin de GrandHomme (19 runs), and Rob Jones (22 runs) made crucial cameos to get them over the line last night.

In 20 overs, their bowlers held the opposition to 179/5. Last game, Luke Wood was the star with the ball, with figures of 4-0-31-3, including a first ball wicket. Daryl Mitchell and Tom Bailey bowled well in the match, combining for 8-0-60-0. Tom Hartley and Danny Lamb each took a wicket but went for over 10 RPO.

Full Squad:

Keaton Jennings, Luke Wells, Josh Bohannon, Liam Livingstone, Steven Croft, Luke Wood, Tom Bailey, Danny Lamb, Phil Salt, James Anderson, Dane Vilas (South Africa), Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand), Colin de Grandhomme (New Zealand)

Possible Playing XI:

George Bell (wk), Luke Wells, Steven Croft (c), Daryl Mitchell, Colin de Grandhomme, Rob Jones, Tom Hartley, Luke Wood, Tom Bailey, Danny Lamb, Matthew Parkinson

Leicestershire (Match Odds – 2.95):

Preview:

Colin Ackermann will lead Leicestershire again this season. Hamish Rutherford and Scott Steel will open the batting, followed by Arron Lilley at No. 3 in the order. Rishi Patel and Ben Mike will bat in the middle order alongside their captain to strengthen their batting lineup.

In the pace department, they have Ben Mike, Callum Parkinson, and Roman Walker, as well as international starts Wiaan Mulder and Naveen Ul-Haq (not available for this match). This season, new spin sensation Rehan Ahmed will be their trump card in the middle overs alongside Scott Steel.

Full Squad:

Samuel Evans, Colin Ackermann, Lewis Hill, Rishi Patel, Harry Swindells, Chris Wright, Edward Barnes, Gavin Griffiths, Callum Parkinson, Harry Dearden, Roman Walker, Tom Scriven, Wiaan Mulder (South Africa), Peter Handscomb (Australia – County Championship, April and May), Ajinkya Rahane (India – County Championship and One-Day Cup, June onwards), Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan – Vitality Blast), Sol Budinger, Matt Salisbury

Possible Playing XI:

Colin Ackermann (c), Rehan Ahmed, Lewis Hill, Aaron Lilley, Wiaan Mulder, Callum Parkinson, Rishi Patel, Tom Scriven, Scott Steel, Wiaan Mulder, Roman Walker

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Batsmen Worth Watching

Lancashire’s top batting performer in the win over Derbyshire Falcons was Luke Wells. In his 35 ball 66, the opener hit nine fours and three sixes. Daryl Mitchell and Colin de Grandhomme of New Zealand both batted aggressively and will be worth watching at the crease again in this match.

Last year, skipper Colin Ackermann was Leicestershire’s most successful batter, but he only hit three half centuries, and more runs across the board will be needed this year if they are to finish in the top four. We expect the Foxes to struggle against this Lancashire attack.

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Bowlers Worth Watching

Luke Wood comes into this game in great form, having taken another T20 wicket against Derbyshire Falcons. He took out Haider Ali with the first ball of the innings and went on to take out two more of the top five batters. On this pitch, Matt Parkinson should see some action.

Leicestershire could cause problems with the ball against Lancashire. Only Richard Gleason took more wickets in the tournament last year than Afghanistan’s Naveen-ul-Haq. Rehan Ahmed and Callum Parkinson are both exceptional spinners.

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Head to Head

Lancashire has a one-game lead over Leicestershire after both teams played 30 games against each other. Lancashire has won 20 games so far and won the last meeting between the two.

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Head to Head Stats in T20s

	Matches Played	LAN Won	LEI Won	Tie	NR
Overall	30	20	10	0	0
Last 5	5	5	0	0	0

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Toss Prediction

With batters nowadays confident of chasing down any target with their attacking mindsets, chasing is the best option in T20 matches. If either skipper wins the toss, they will choose to bowl first.

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Pitch Report

Lancashire’s home ground is Manchester, and we anticipate average scores of 160-180 runs in this match.

Bowlers will enjoy the slowness and uneven bounce on the track at Manchester, which is a bowling-friendly venue. We anticipate a bright, sunny, and humid weather throughout the match, with no interruptions.

Lancashire vs Leicestershire Prediction

Lancashire’s batting lineup is full of dynamic and experienced players. Their bowling attack appears to be complete as well, with good pace and spin bowling options. Leicestershire has a strong bowling attack that includes some quality spinners. We expect Lancashire to win this match and continue their winning streak. Check out the odds at Cricbaba!

Lancashire is the favourite to beat Leicestershire at the odds of 1.40.