Openers could be the key to Yorkshire's victory blast

Yorkshire v Northamptonshire
Sky Sports Cricket, 7pm Thursday

Yorkshire lost only one of their first eight T20 Blast fixtures but a dramatic dip in form has left them precariously placed in the race for a quarter-final spot.

The Vikings raised their game for a Roses victory over Lancashire last Friday but followed it up with defeat at Leicestershire – their fourth loss in five games.

They have won five out of six at Headingley, though, and are 8-11 to extend that run against Blast champions Northamptonshire, who need to win one of their last two games to confirm their place in the North Group’s top four.

Yorkshire will be desperate for another fast start from their opening batsmen Adam Lyth and Tom Kohler-Cadmore, who put on 95 in the first eight overs against Lancashire.

Kohler-Cadmore then smashed a 40-ball 75 at Grace Road and with his confidence up, a bet on the hosts outscoring Northants in the first six overs is advised.

Yorkshire’s batsmen have come up short in a couple of tight finishes, losing by one run to Durham and three runs against Derbyshire, but they should start well in this crucial fixture.

Recommendation
Yorkshire to have higher score in first six overs
2pts 8-11 Hills