Twenty20 Blast: Wednesday cricket betting preview and free tips

Worcestershire v Derbyshire
5pm Wednesday
Durham v Leicestershire
6.30pm Wednesday

Martin Guptill endured a frustrating one-day international World Cup this summer but was at the forefront of Worcestershire's emphatic nine-run win over Durham last time out.

The New Zealand opener blasted ten sixes on his way to an unbeaten 86 at the top of the order, propelling him to the top of the Blast runscoring charts for the Rapids.

Guptill was assisted by a swashbuckling display from Riki Wessels, who is second in the standings for his team and scored a similarly destructive 29-ball 74.

The pair looked in excellent nick at Blackfinch New Road and can outperform Derbyshire's top two, which has alternated in recent weeks, in their latest home assignment.

Derbyshire are winless since their opening triumph against Yorkshire and allowed Nottinghamshire and Birmingham to post scores of 198 and 205 in their last two completed matches. They could be set for another loss in the north group.

Durham will be licking their wounds after that hammering to Worcestershire but have the perfect opportunity to right their wrongs when they reconvene with Leicestershire.

The Jets mauled the Foxes in their meeting last Friday, chasing down a mediocre target of 158 for the loss of only one wicket.

Scott Steel scored 13 boundaries as part of a blockbuster 70 runs in that match, taking his tournament total to 178, and can flex his willow-wielding muscle against openers Dieter Klein and Chris Wright who have been struggling with the ball.

They had economy rates of 15 and 10.73 respectively in their recent meeting with Durham and Steel can capitalise by top-scoring for his side.

Recommendations
Worcestershire to have highest opening partnership
1pt 8-11 bet365, Hills
Worcestershire
2pts 8-15 bet365, Betfair, Paddy Power
S Steel top Durham runscorer
1pt 7-2 bet365

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