Worcestershire vs Lancashire – T20 Vitality Blast 2025 Match Preview

Date: Friday, 13th June 2025
Time: 17:30 GMT (10:00 PM IST)
Venue: County Ground, New Road, Worcester
Match: Worcestershire vs Lancashire, Match 48
League: T20 Vitality Blast 2025 – North Group

Match Context

Worcestershire and Lancashire are set to clash in a high-stakes T20 Blast encounter at New Road, Worcester. This game is crucial for both teams in their quest to secure a top-four finish in the North Group and progress to the knockout stages.

Lancashire, currently in better form with a winning streak, will look to avenge their earlier defeat at the hands of Worcestershire in May, when the Rapids triumphed by a narrow margin. Worcestershire, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their recent win over Nottinghamshire and will be eager to continue their campaign on home soil.

Team Strengths and Tactics

Worcestershire Rapids

• Captain: Brett D’Oliveira
• Key Players: Adam Hose, Jacob Duffy, Ben Dwarshuis
• Form Guide: ✅❌✅❌❌
• Tactics: Worcestershire's batting line-up has shown resilience, with Adam Hose in particularly good form, scoring 54, 27, and a stunning 95 in his last three innings. The overseas duo of Jacob Duffy and Ben Dwarshuis provides crucial pace in the death overs.
• Pitch Advantage: New Road has historically favored the home side, with Worcestershire winning the last four encounters at this venue.

Lancashire Lightning

• Captain: Keaton Jennings
• Key Players: Liam Livingstone, Luke Wood, James Anderson
• Form Guide: ❌❌✅✅✅
• Tactics: Lancashire have been in fine form, with Liam Livingstone returning from the Indian Premier League to lead the middle order. Luke Wood’s return to the side bolsters their seam attack, while the presence of James Anderson adds experience and control in key moments. However, their struggles against spin could be a concern.

Head-to-Head

• Last 10 Meetings: Lancashire leads 6-4
• Last 4 at New Road: Worcestershire dominate 4-0
• Recent Result: Worcestershire won by 7 runs in May 2025

Weather & Pitch Report

• Temperature: 17-18°C
• Humidity: 72-83%
• Rain Chance: 25%
• Pitch Behavior: High-scoring, batters' paradise
• Average 1st Innings Score: 169 runs

Player to Watch

• Adam Hose (Worcestershire): In scintillating form, Hose can turn the game with a big score.
• Liam Livingstone (Lancashire): Expected to provide crucial runs in the middle overs after his experience in the IPL.
• Ben Dwarshuis (Worcestershire): The key to the death overs, Dwarshuis has the ability to swing the game in the final overs.

Match Odds

• Worcestershire to Win: 5/4
• Lancashire to Win: 8/13

Key Observations

• Lancashire’s return of Luke Wood and James Anderson strengthens their bowling attack, particularly in the powerplay.
• Worcestershire’s spin options and home advantage could be decisive.
• The high-scoring nature of the pitch may lead to a chase being more viable than a defend.

Where to Watch

• Live Telecast: SonyLiv
• Live Stream: FanCode

Final Prediction

This is a closely contested fixture with both sides having their strengths. However, given Worcestershire’s recent form, home advantage, and the pitch's batting-friendly nature, they are expected to edge out a tight contest.

Predicted Winner: Worcestershire Rapids
Estimated Scoreline: Worcestershire 185/6 vs Lancashire 182/9 (Worcestershire win by 3 runs)

Disclaimer: This preview is based on available information and current form. Odds and conditions may change up to the match time.
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