Match times, streaming information, tickets and travel, team news, weather forecast, form, prediction and everything else you need to know ahead of the latest round of the Vitality Blast...
Fixture: Notts Outlaws v Derbyshire Falcons
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Date: Friday, June 18, 2021
Start time: 6pm
What’s the lowdown?
Champions Notts Outlaws had an indifferent start to their defence as they tied with the Worcestershire Rapids in the opening round. Since then, they have been destructive with the bat. In the four games they’ve played, they have scored over 190 on three occasions.
Their issues have come with the ball, having allowed Birmingham Bears to wrack up 229, Northants Steelbacks 200 and Durham 182, albeit the last two came in victories for the Outlaws.
They have batted like champions, but will need to remedy some of their bowling issues in order to go deep into the competition. They currently occupy the last knockout position in the North Group.
Derbyshire arrested a run of two straight defeats with a comfortable win over Northamptonshire Steelbacks, chasing down a sub-standard target of 142 with 10 balls remaining, but there remains work to do to put themselves in quarter-final contention.
Who’s in form?
Off-spinner Mathew Carter has been the star with the ball for the Outlaws, operating mostly in the powerplay and being mighty impressed with his eight wickets at 13.25. Luke Fletcher has also continued his wonderful season, taking seven wickets, but at an elevated average of 21.00.
With the bat, Alex Hales continues to show his class, striking 141 runs at an average of 45.00. He has been provided with ample support from Ben Duckett, who has 109 runs in three games.
Leus du Plooy is one of only six batters to have gone past the 200-run landmark in the competition so far, averaging 52.50 in his five games so far. But with six wickets and 158 runs to his name, it would be fair to say Matt Critchley has been the Falcons' stand-out performer in the opening stages.
What’s the team news?
Notts Outlaws: The Outlaws remain unchanged, after bouncing back from two defeats to record two consecutive victories. They have named a 14-man squad ahead of the game.
Notts Outlaws squad: Steven Mullaney (c), Jake Ball, Sol Budinger, Matt Carter, Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett, Luke Fletcher, Alex Hales, Calvin Harrison, Lyndon James, Tom Moores, Dane Paterson, Samit Patel, Peter Trego
Derbyshire Falcons: The Falcons have made one change to their 14-man squad ahead of their battle with Notts Outlaws. Harvey Hosein has come in to replace Sam Conners, who is out through injury.
Derbyshire Falcons squad: Billy Godleman (c), Luis Reece, Leus Du Plooy, Harry Came, Matt Critchley, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Mattie McKiernan, Harvey Hosein, Alex Thomson, Brooke Guest, Logan Van Beek, George Scrimshaw, Michael Cohen, Conor McKerr
Last five T20 results (most recent first)
Notts Outlaws: WWLTW
Derbyshire Falcons: WLLWL
Head-to-head T20 record
Total matches: 30
Notts Outlaws wins: 23
Derbyshire Falcons wins: 7
Tied: 0
Abandoned: 6
No result: 0
Latest Derbyshire Falcons news
What’s the weather forecast?
It’s going to be very wet in the East Midlands, with thunderstorms predicted throughout the day. With a high of 14 degrees Celsius, there is a strong chance of a rain-affected game.
Keep up to date with the MetOffice’s rolling forecast for Nottingham: Click here
Going to the game?
Tickets
Click here to access the Nottinghamshire box office.
Travel
Address: Trent Bridge, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 6AG
By car: From the south, exit the M1 on Junction 24 (A453) or Junction 25 (A52) and take the signs for West Bridgford or the cricket ground. From the north, take Junction 26 (A610) and follow the signs to West Bridgford or the cricket ground.
There are plenty of parking options around the Lace Market and the Ice Arena in the town centre. There are three car parks surrounding the ground, and two further down the Bridgford Road into West Bridgford itself.
By public transport: Nottingham station is well linked by East Midlands Trains, Cross Country and Northern. There are regular buses from the station to Trent Bridge, and a taxi rank on the northern side of the station, but it is only a 20-minute walk via the A60 - passing the nation's only Hooters - or better still along a saunter the Nottingham Canal up to the Trent Bridge itself – past Meadow Lane (Notts County), the City Ground (Nottingham Forest) and plenty of pubs.
How do I follow the match?
Nottinghamshire will offer live coverage of the match via their website: Click here
All T20 Blast matches are also available via the ECB's central hub: Click here
The matches can also be viewed on mobile via the ECB app.
Radio: All Vitality Blast fixtures will be available on BBC Local Radio stations with extensive coverage also on 5 Live Sports Extra.
Digital: The Cricketer will carry live scorecards and updates from every Vitality Blast match in 2021, as well as the latest breaking news from around the counties and exclusive features. Visit our County Hub for more.
Prediction?
Derbyshire have struggled so far in the shortest format, whereas Notts have been destructive with the bat. If they can continue that form, they will have too much for the Falcons. Outlaws win.
OTHER T20 BLAST FIXTURES: FRIDAY, JUNE 18
North Group
Worcestershire Rapids v Northamptonshire Steelbacks
Birmingham Bears v Lancashire Lightning
South Group
Essex Eagles v Gloucestershire
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