Northamptonshire have made a flying start to the 2025 Vitality T20 Blast campaign with two wins from their first two games. They look in great touch and will aim to continue that momentum when they take on Derbyshire at The County Ground, Derby on Wednesday.
Derbyshire, meanwhile, are still searching for consistency after an inconsistent run of form — three losses in four matches across the end of last season and into this one. However, they did beat Northants here last year thanks to a blistering knock from Aneurin Donald, so they know it can be done.
This fixture promises to be a tight contest, especially given the pitch and weather conditions expected to favor bowlers. With both teams having strong all-round options, expect a close battle under the lights.
Match Details
Match | DER vs NOR – Vitality T20 Blast 2025 |
---|---|
Date & Time (IST) | Wednesday, June 5, 2025 – 11:30 PM |
Venue | The County Ground, Derby |
Toss Timing | Around 11:15 PM IST |
Live Streaming | Sky Sports / Willow TV |
Pitch Report | Low and slow; favors bowlers |
Weather Forecast | Cloudy; 9–13°C; light rain threat early |
Team Previews
Derbyshire Preview
Derbyshire started the season on a mixed note, with a win over Leicestershire followed by a loss against Northants’ rivals. Their batting has looked shaky at times — collapsing to 51/5 during their chase — but Martin Andersson (70*) and Ross Whiteley (37) showed resilience to keep them competitive.
Aneurin Donald, the wicketkeeper-batter, is key to their chances. He played a match-winning 68 off 26 balls in last year’s meeting with Northants but comes into this game after scoring just two runs in his previous outing. Caleb Jewell provides a solid opening partner, while David Lloyd and Wayne Madsen need to stabilize the innings early.
Samit Patel brings experience and composure in the middle order, while Pat Brown and Zak Chappell offer pace and variations. AM Ghazanfar continues to impress with his left-arm spin, taking 2/29 in the last match.
However, the bowling unit lacks depth. While Ghazanfar and Sanderson provide control, others like Nick Potts haven’t stepped up consistently. Unless the top order fires together and the bowlers hold their nerve, Derbyshire may struggle to match Northants’ intensity.
Predicted Playing XI:
Caleb Jewell, Aneurin Donald (wk), David Lloyd, Wayne Madsen, Samit Patel (c), Martin Andersson, Ross Whiteley, Zak Chappell, Pat Brown, Nick Potts, AM Ghazanfar
Northamptonshire Preview
Northamptonshire enter this match full of confidence after starting the tournament with back-to-back wins. Ravi Bopara has been instrumental with the bat, scoring 46* in the last game, while Ben Sanderson was the star with the ball, picking up 4/15.
The team’s balance gives them an edge. Opener Ricardo Vasconcelos and Matthew Breetzke provide starts, while captain David Willey chips in with crucial runs and wickets. Willey himself took 3/20 in the previous match and remains a key player in high-pressure situations.
In the middle and lower order, Saif Zaib and George Bartlett offer valuable contributions. Lewis McManus behind the stumps ensures safe hands and adds firepower down the order. George Scrimshaw and Bopara also chip in with part-time seam, making the side well-rounded.
Their bowling department looks strong. Ben Sanderson has been lethal with the new ball, and George Scrimshaw offers variety and aggression. Luke Procter and Lloyd Pope round out the attack, giving flexibility in different phases of the game.
With better form and more consistency, Northants should be favorites to extend their winning run in this fixture.
Predicted Playing XI:
Ricardo Vasconcelos, Matthew Breetzke, David Willey (c), Ravi Bopara, Saif Zaib, George Bartlett, Lewis McManus (wk), Luke Procter, George Scrimshaw, Ben Sanderson, Lloyd Pope
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
Favourite Team | Why? |
---|---|
Northamptonshire | Northamptonshire have been in excellent form, starting the season with two consecutive wins. Their balanced lineup, led by experienced performers like David Willey and Ravi Bopara, gives them a clear advantage. While Derbyshire have talent, they lack consistency, especially in the batting department. Northants have shown they can adapt and win under pressure, making them slight favorites in this clash. |
Fantasy Team XI
Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
---|---|---|---|
Ravi Bopara | All-rounder | NOR | Valuable runs and handy medium pace |
David Willey | All-rounder | NOR | Wicket-taking ability and aggressive batting |
Ben Sanderson | Bowler | NOR | Leading wicket-taker; 4/15 in last game |
George Bartlett | All-rounder | NOR | Explosive finisher; good death overs |
AM Ghazanfar | Bowler | DER | Key spinner with wicket-taking potential |
Martin Andersson | Batsman | DER | Top scorer in last game; gritty innings |
Ross Whiteley | All-rounder | DER | Useful lower-order hitter and part-time bowler |
Zak Chappell | Bowler | DER | Skilled seamer; effective early on |
Lewis McManus | WK-Batsman | NOR | Safe gloves and reliable lower-order runs |
Saif Zaib | Batsman | NOR | Consistent performer; middle-order glue |
Pat Brown | Bowler | DER | Aggressive pacer; yorkers in death overs |
Explanation:
This fantasy XI blends the best players from both sides. Northants dominate due to superior form and balance. Ravi Bopara and David Willey offer all-round impact, while Ben Sanderson is a must-pick after his 4-wicket haul. On the Derbyshire side, Martin Andersson and AM Ghazanfar bring value with bat and ball respectively.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions:
- Captain: Ben Sanderson (NOR) – In-form bowler with big-match impact.
- Vice-Captain: Ravi Bopara (NOR) – Consistent batsman and handy bowler.
Players to Avoid:
- Aneurin Donald (DER) – Struggles with inconsistency; scored a duck recently.
- Matthew Breetzke (NOR) – Low strike rate; not ideal for fantasy points.
Team Squads
Derbyshire Squad (2025 T20 Blast):
Caleb Jewell, Aneurin Donald (wk), David Lloyd, Wayne Madsen, Samit Patel (c), Martin Andersson, Ross Whiteley, Zak Chappell, Pat Brown, Nick Potts, AM Ghazanfar, Alex Thomson, Harry Chorley, Feroze Khushi, Tom Taylor, Luis Reece, Nathan Rimmington, Callum Ferguson, Josh Thompson, George Garton
Northamptonshire Squad (2025 T20 Blast):
Ricardo Vasconcelos, Matthew Breetzke, David Willey (c), Ravi Bopara, Saif Zaib, George Bartlett, Lewis McManus (wk), Luke Procter, George Scrimshaw, Ben Sanderson, Lloyd Pope, Rob Keogh, Graeme van Buuren, Richard Gleeson, Emilio Franklin, Kavem Hodge, James Sales, Tom Taylor, Adam Rossington, Simon Kerrigan
Probable Playing XI
Derbyshire | Northamptonshire |
---|---|
Caleb Jewell | Ricardo Vasconcelos |
Aneurin Donald (wk) | Matthew Breetzke |
David Lloyd | David Willey (c) |
Wayne Madsen | Ravi Bopara |
Samit Patel (c) | Saif Zaib |
Martin Andersson | George Bartlett |
Ross Whiteley | Lewis McManus (wk) |
Zak Chappell | Luke Procter |
Pat Brown | George Scrimshaw |
Nick Potts | Ben Sanderson |
AM Ghazanfar | Lloyd Pope |
Pitch Report
- Venue: The County Ground, Derby
- Batting Conditions: Dry and low bounce; scoring harder than usual.
- Bowling Conditions: Pacers benefit from movement early; spinners get grip late.
- Recent Scores: Average first-innings score around 175–180.
- Second Innings: Chasing slightly easier due to slower pitch.
Ideal Total: 170–180
Toss Prediction
Given that the pitch is low and slow and dew isn’t expected to play a major role, the toss is likely to be opted for bowling first , as the surface seems to assist bowlers more in the initial phase.
Winner Prediction
Northamptonshire have been the stronger side so far, with two wins to start the season. Their batting and bowling units have clicked together, and their recent victory over Leicestershire showed they’re peaking at the right time.
While Derbyshire have quality players like Donald and Ghazanfar, their inconsistency and shaky batting line-up make them vulnerable.
🎯 Final Verdict: Northamptonshire to win and go three games unbeaten.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available