Lancashire vs Yorkshire: Vitality Blast 2025 North Group Showdown Preview

The Roses Derby is back next time at Emirates Old Trafford when the Lancashire Lightning faces Yorkshire Vikings on Friday, July 11 (7pm BST). A T20 Blast North Group blockbuster battle, and also with large playoff implications. Here is what you should watch.

Form & Stakes

• Lancashire are playing very well: an excellent win ratio of 7 out of 10 games, and they occupy second place in the North Group and are capable of finishing in the top four.
   
• Yorkshire have been stuck and only got 3 wins out of 10 and require a storming performance to salvage their season.
   
• A Lancashire win would really strengthen their playoff chances and Yorkshire need to win this, or they will be eliminated.

Head-to-Head Highlights

• Lancashire also have a good record at home against Yorkshire, unbeaten since 2014 at Old Trafford, although bad weather conditions over the past two years have seen matches rained off.
   
• The final victories Yorkshire took were in successive matches in Headingley and the latest of them was the single Roses Blast win by a century by Bairstow.

Key Players to Watch

• Jonny Bairstow (YOR): Bairstow burned through the Lancashire attack the last time they faced the bat with 116 off 54--he remains a big threat.
   
• Will Luxton (YOR): Bairstow partner earlier in that ton stand and finished 90*--powerful at the top.
   
• Ben Aitchison (YOR): Has also demonstrated his mastery of spin-bowling, claimed a five-for (5 29) vs Yorkshire-this player is a potential match-shaper.
   
• Chris Green (LAN): Took four wickets in the recent match versus Yorkshire, not giving play to their big hitters--impact spinner.
   
• Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone (LAN): Valuable efforts of a 68- run partnership that saw 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 also favourites- they have massive home advantage, and their recent form has been good (4 wins in 5 outings).  Yorkshire has much to dig in so as to stay closer to the playoffs.

What to See

1. Bairstow is continuing his heroics: Will he do the same at the opening overs?
    
2. Spin hit: green against Aitchison, a game changer.
    
3. Middle order stability: Who comes up the order, Lancs Livingstone and Yorkshire Live bench strength?
    
4. Death more than execution: Strategy and management of the late overs may be the hallmark of run chases and the defense of tallies.

Final Word

The North Group bloodbath has more to do than additional points--it is about attitude, current and also about the Road to Roses bragging rights. Look out to fireworks in the batting-by-Batting stars such as Bairstow and momentum of the bowlers of Lancashire.