Yorkshire Vikings | T20 Vitality Blast Match Preview | 31/05/2024

The quest for T20 trophy number four starts here. Leicestershire lock horns with Yorkshire Vikings at Uptonsteel County Ground on Friday evening, as a brutal battle kicks off the Foxes’ Blast campaign.

With Alfonso Thomas now at the helm and Peter Handscomb ready to lead a side stacked with international stars and exciting winter arrivals, the Foxes are primed to push for a record-breaking fourth T20 title.

Yorkshire, boosted by the presence of Joe Root, will already be underway by the time they reach the East Midlands “ as the Vikings take on the Worcestershire Rapids at Headingley on Thursday.

FAMOUS FIXTURE:

One of the most dramatic matches in recent memory between the two sides, 2020’s meeting will live long in Foxes folklore thanks to Ben Mike’s final-ball, match-winning six.

Chasing 189 at Uptonsteel County Ground, Gareth Delany (64), Arron Lilley (30), and Colin Ackermann (58), got the side close, before Mike walked out to the middle with 14 balls to go.

After dispatching David Willey onto the roof of the Geary Bar in the previous over, Mike was looking dangerous. With nine needed from the final over, the Vikings made an interesting call, throwing the ball to part-time spinner Adam Lyth.

It looked a good call with three still required from the final delivery, but Mike flexed his muscles and smashed an enormous six down the ground to seal a three-wicket win and record one of the most iconic moments in the fixture’s history.

DECISIVE DUEL:

The Blast is at its best when it brings together two England superstars to do battle. That’ll be true of Friday evening, when Rehan Ahmed faces Joe Root at Uptonsteel County Ground.

With 48 wickets at 26.39 and packing a powerful punch with the bat, the Leicestershire Academy graduate can turn the game in the Foxes’ favour in both disciplines.

He’s renowned for possessing one of the most devastating googlies in cricket, and has found the Vikings to be a favourite opponent “ taking six wickets at 17.83 in his four appearances to date.

While Rehan is still at the beginning of his prosperous career, Root has proven his prowess for well over a decade. The former England skipper has 2,235 runs at 31.92 since his debut in 2011, with his availability for Friday’s visit a massive boost to the Vikings’ chance of winning this particular war.

SQUAD:

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

Back the Foxes to a winning start. Get your tickets HERE.