Lancashire vs Yorkshire – Vitality Blast Match Preview (11 July 2025)

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 19:00 GMT
Format: T20
Competition: Vitality Blast – North Group

Match Preview

Lancashire and Yorkshire, two of the most storied counties in English cricket, are set to clash in a high-stakes Vitality Blast encounter at Old Trafford on 11 July 2025. This match is expected to be a thrilling T20 showdown, with both sides vying for crucial points in the North Group standings.

Team Form and Momentum

Lancashire have been in excellent form recently, showcasing a blend of aggressive batting and tight bowling. Their last six matches have all ended in victories, including a 42-run win over Birmingham Bears and a 5-wicket win over Northamptonshire. With the likes of Paul Stirling and Liam Livingstone in their ranks, Lancashire have the firepower to post competitive totals and chase down even the most daunting targets.

Yorkshire, on the other hand, have had a slightly inconsistent run in their last six games. While they have some potent batters in the form of Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, they have struggled at times to maintain consistency under pressure. Their recent match against Derbyshire ended in a 7-wicket defeat, which may raise questions about their composure in crucial moments.

Head-to-Head

Historically, Lancashire have the edge in their encounters with Yorkshire. In the last five T20 meetings, Lancashire have won three times, with two of those victories coming by narrow margins. A notable win was in 2022 when Lancashire chased down a target with just 8 balls to spare. This psychological edge could prove vital in a high-pressure T20 contest.

Pitch and Conditions

Old Trafford has traditionally been a balanced venue, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers depending on the weather. With the game starting in the evening, dew could play a role in the final overs, making spinners a key asset. Lancashire, who are more accustomed to playing at Old Trafford, may have a slight advantage in adapting to the conditions.

Predictions and Key Batters/Bowlers

Prediction:
According to analysis and statistical models, Lancashire are the slight favorites to win the match, with a predicted probability of 63%. However, Yorkshire are expected to win the toss with a 56% probability, which could influence the direction of the game.

Key Batters to Watch:

• Paul Stirling (Lancashire): A matchwinner with the bat, Stirling has the ability to accelerate the innings and change the game's momentum.
• Ben Duckett (Yorkshire): A modern-day T20 specialist, Duckett’s aggressive style and ability to rotate the strike make him a key player for Yorkshire.

Key Bowlers to Watch:

• Liam Livingstone (Lancashire): Known for his ability to bowl tight lines and deliver in the death overs, Livingstone is a vital asset with the ball.
• Adil Rashid (Yorkshire): Rashid is a world-class T20 spinner and will be crucial for Yorkshire in the middle and death overs.

Final Verdict

Lancashire’s recent dominance and strong form make them the favorites heading into this clash. However, Yorkshire have the talent and experience to challenge at any stage of the game, and a toss win could give them the upper hand. With both teams possessing the firepower to win, this match promises to be an electrifying encounter.

Predicted Scorecard:

• Lancashire: 215/8 in 20 overs
• Yorkshire: 214/6 in 20 overs
• Result: A close win for Lancashire by 1 run

Conclusion

As the North Group battle intensifies, the Lancashire vs Yorkshire clash is a must-watch. With high stakes and high expectations, this match could go a long way in determining the group dynamics. Don’t miss out on what promises to be a thrilling T20 encounter at Old Trafford.
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