Northamptonshire Steelbacks | T20 Match Preview - 21/06/2024

Leicestershire are on the road again on Friday, as the Foxes target a third straight win away from home.

The trip to Northampton follows Sunday’s 20-run success at Headingley, with Rishi Patel, Scott Currie and Lewis Goldsworthy all putting in outstanding performances to secure the points against the Vikings.

The Steelbacks are hot on the Foxes’ tails, sitting one place behind in the North Group “ although they could leapfrog Leicestershire if they beat the Birmingham Bears on Thursday evening.

FAMOUS FIXTURE:

Thursday marks two years to the day since a spectacular Josh Inglis innings fired the Foxes to victory at The County Ground.

His first of two T20 centuries for the Club, the Australian opener whacked an unbeaten 103 from 62 balls to help Leicestershire pose an imposing 200/2.

But for some late innings Rob Keogh firepower, the Steelbacks never got close. Two wickets apiece for Callum Parkinson, Naveen-ul-Haq, and Gav Griffiths helping the Foxes to victory by 34 runs.

DECISIVE DUEL:

A side’s success in the Powerplay often determines the outcome of their innings. In opposing roles, Josh Hull and Matthew Breetzke have both been in lethal form in the Blast so far.

6ft 7” in stature, and boasting some serious pace, Hull has already caught the attention of many onlookers in his blossoming career. He has eight wickets this term, with five of those arising during the Powerplay “ where he’s been a consistent threat with new ball in hand.

South African opener Breetzke could prove an early nemesis to Hull’s tricks. He’s the only player with three fifties to his name so far this campaign, proving what a shrewd addition he’s been by the Steelbacks.

It follows a spectacular T20 summer back home, where the right-hander finished top of the CSA T20 Challenge run charts (467 @ 35.92) and third of the SAT20 charts (417 @ 32). It’s certainly the battle to watch on Friday night.

SQUAD:

Sol Budinger returns to the squad after a side issue forced him to miss the previous two matches. Rehan Ahmed is ruled out through concussion.

Leicestershire Foxes: Budinger, Cox+, Currie, Evans, Goldsworthy, Handscomb*, Holland, Hull, Kimber, Mike, Mulder, Patel, Swindells, Walker.