Lancashire Lightning v Leicestershire Foxes: Vitality Blast Match Preview Lancashire Lightning are set to face Leicestershire Foxes in a Vitality Blast T20 match at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday, May 29, at 6:30pm. The Red Rose county secured a strong start to their campaign with a convincing 39-run victory over Nottinghamshire at the same venue on Monday, bouncing back from an opening defeat to Surrey. Lancashire’s performance against the Outlaws highlighted their dominance at home, where they have maintained a formidable record since the Blast’s inception in 2003. The county has only lost 30 matches at Emirates Old Trafford in the competition’s history, a testament to their home advantage. Leicestershire Foxes, on the other hand, have struggled for consistency in the T20 format. Despite a strong debut in 2004, 2006, and 2011, the team has only reached the quarter-finals twice in the last 14 years. This season, they have faced challenges, losing their first three matches. Their recent defeat to Derbyshire at home saw them chase down a target of 230-5, managing only 145 all out. The Foxes’ squad includes experienced players such as captain Ben Green, a former Somerset Blast-winning all-rounder, and overseas signings like Ashton Turner and Nick Kelly. However, the absence of England all-rounder Rehan Ahmed, who is playing in the IPL, leaves a gap in their batting and bowling options. Ben Green, now leading Leicestershire, has transitioned from the County Championship to T20 cricket this season. The 28-year-old, who previously played for Somerset in the Blast, has taken three wickets in his first three matches for the Foxes. His leadership has been praised by coach Alfonso Thomas, who noted Green’s ability to command respect and his calm, competitive nature.#emirates_old_Trafford #vitality_blast #lancashire_lightning #leicestershire_foxes #ben_green
Vitality Blast 2026 Set for Historic Double Header at Lord’s The 2026 Vitality Blast will kick off with a historic double header at Lord’s on Friday, May 22, as Middlesex Women & Middlesex face Kent Women & Kent Spitfires in a rare pairing of teams from the same county. This event marks the first of two Bank Holiday weekend matches, with Kent Women & Kent Spitfires also set to host Sussex Sharks Women & Sussex Sharks at the St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury on Monday, May 25. The double header will feature two matches: Middlesex Women vs. Kent Women at 2:15pm and Middlesex vs. Kent Spitfires at 6:15pm. The event is part of the Women’s Vitality Blast League Two, where defending champions Middlesex aim to retain their title. Middlesex, led by skipper Saskia Horley, will draw on their recent victory over Kent Women in the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, a win that has bolstered their confidence ahead of the tournament. Kent Women, captained by Megan Belt, will field a squad of 14 players, including Laura Bailey, Grace Poole, and Sophie Singer, who are returning for the first time this summer. The squad includes several key players, though Rachel King remains with Surrey, and Izzy Cloke and Tilly Callaghan are sidelined due to injury. The match will be broadcast live on the Kent Cricket website, with pictures and sound provided by Middlesex Cricket. For the men’s side, Kent Spitfires will take on Middlesex in the 2026 Vitality Blast, with Sam Billings leading the team. The squad includes Joe Denly, the club’s highest T20 run scorer, and Fred Klaassen, a Netherlands international seamer. Matt Milnes, a 2021 Blast winner, is set to return after a four-year absence, while Harry Finch and Jake Lintott, both from the Second XI, have been included.#kent_spitfires #vitality_blast #middlesex_women #kent_women #middlesex_men
