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The pressure is on at New Road as Worcestershire Rapids, on a dismal run of seven defeats, face Leicestershire Foxes in a crucial Vitality Blast encounter. Both sides are out of contention for the knockout stages, but a win here holds significant value. For Worcestershire, it’s a lifeline to keep their slim semifinal hopes alive, while Leicestershire aim to salvage some pride after a string of disappointing results.
Worcestershire
Worcestershire are in dire straits. Their batting has been a major concern, with only Adam Hose managing to cross the 200-run mark this season. Skipper Brett D’Oliveira and Matthew Waite, who are likely to open the innings, haven’t been consistent either. The middle order, featuring players like Josh Cobb and Gareth Roderick, needs to step up and provide some stability.
Bowling hasn’t fared much better. Tom Taylor leads the attack with 12 wickets, but his economy rate is a cause for concern. The likes of Adam Finch and Matthew Waite need to find their rhythm and be more economical.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Brett D’Oliveira (c)
- Kashif Ali
- Josh Cobb
- Adam Hose
- Ethan Brookes
- Gareth Roderick (wk)
- Ed Pollock
- Matthew Waite
- Tom Taylor
- Hayden Walsh
- Harry Darley
Leicestershire
Leicestershire haven’t fared much better, losing their last three games. Their batting heavily relies on skipper Rishi Patel, who is the leading run-scorer with a healthy strike rate. The return of Peter Handscomb, the second highest run-scorer, would be a massive boost. Wicket-keeper Ben Cox has been in good form, and his explosive batting in the middle order can be crucial.
While their bowling hasn’t been exceptional, Lewis Goldsworthy, Josh Hull, and Scott Currie have picked up wickets consistently. An improved bowling performance, especially in restricting runs, could be the difference.
Predicted Playing XI:
- Rishi Patel (c)
- Soloman Budinger
- Paul Stirling
- Louis Kimber
- James Neesham
- Ben Cox (wk)
- Ben Mike
- Tom Scriven
- Lewis Goldsworthy
- Samuel Berridge Wood
- Josh Hull
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The pitch at New Road offers good bounce and swing, assisting bowlers more than batsmen. Expect a cloudy day with a slight chance of rain and temperatures ranging from 32°C to 23°C.
Toss
Historically, the team winning the toss has preferred to bowl first at this venue. However, with both teams struggling to defend totals this season, the decision might be more about reading the pitch conditions.
Match Prediction
Worcestershire are desperate for a win, but their inconsistency makes them a risky bet. Leicestershire, with their slightly stronger batting unit, have a better chance.
Prediction: Leicestershire to win!
