Lancashire vs Yorkshire: Vitality Blast 2025 North Group Showdown Preview

The Roses Derby returns as Lancashire Lightning host Yorkshire Vikings at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday, July 11 (7 pm BST). A blockbuster battle in the T20 Blast North Group, with significant playoff implications. Here's your guide to what to watch.

Form & Stakes

• Lancashire are in strong form: 7 wins from 10 games, sitting second in the North Group, and still in the hunt for a top-four finish.
   
• Yorkshire have struggled, with just 3 wins from 10, and need a big performance to reignite their campaign.
   
• A win for Lancashire would bolster their playoff position, while Yorkshire face a must-win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Head-to-Head Highlights

• Lancashire boasts a strong home record against Yorkshire—unbeaten at Old Trafford since 2014, though rain has washed out recent fixtures.
   
• Yorkshire’s last wins came at Headingley in back-to-back games, with their most recent—lone Roses Blast victory—decided by a Bairstow century.

Key Players to Watch

• Jonny Bairstow (YOR): His 116 off 54 in the previous face-off torched Lancashire’s attack—Bairstow remains a major threat.
   
• Will Luxton (YOR): Partnered Bairstow in that ton stand, ending on 90*—formidable at the top.
   
• Ben Aitchison (YOR): Took a five-for (5‑29) vs Yorkshire, showcasing his spin-bowling prowess—watch for his match-up impact.
   
• Chris Green (LAN): Claimed four wickets in the last game against Yorkshire, containing their big hitters—impact spinner.
   
• Phil Salt & Liam Livingstone (LAN): Vital roles in a 68-run partnership that helped elevate Lancashire to the top of the table.
   

Tactical Matchups

Phase	Lancashire Advantage	Yorkshire Threat
Powerplay	Aggressive top-order (Salt & Jennings)	Bairstow and Luxton seek early dominance
Spin Overs	Green’s control & variations	Aitchison may exploit slower deck
Death Overs	Livingstone’s finishing, pace bowling depth	Deep batting tail crucial for chase

Match Timing & Viewing

• Date/Time: Friday, 11 July 2025, 7 pm BST
   
• Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
   
• How to Watch:
   
  • UK: Sky Sports T20 Blast
     
  • Australia/NZ: Fox Cricket/Kayo
     
  • South Africa: SuperSport
     
  • Global: Follow live scores via ESPNcricinfo & Cricbuzz

Prediction & Stakes

Lancashire are favourites—with strong home advantage and current momentum (4 wins in last 5 matches).  Yorkshire must dig deep to avoid sliding further from playoff contention.

What to Watch

1. Opening overs: Does Bairstow replicate his previous heroics?
    
2. Spin battle: Green vs Aitchison, a potential game-changing duel.
    
3. Middle-order stability: Lancashire’s Livingstone and Yorkshire’s bench strength—who steps up?
    
4. Death over execution: Tactics and control in the final overs could define run chases and defend totals.
    

Final Word

This North Group showdown isn’t just about extra points—it’s about pride, momentum & Roses bragging rights. Expect fireworks from batting stars like Bairstow and momentum from Lancashire’s bowlers.