Derbyshire vs Worcestershire T20BLAST Prediction, Players, Standings, News: 10/7/2025

As the 2025 Vitality Blast inches toward the conclusion of its group stage, the North Group continues to deliver nail-biting drama. With all teams still mathematically in the race for the top four, every match is now critical. On 10th July, Derbyshire Falcons will host Worcestershire Rapids at the County Ground in Derby, with the first ball scheduled for 11:30 PM. While the Rapids currently sit in seventh place, a win would likely see them leap to fourth, thanks to a superior net run rate.

Falcons Flying High After Record-Breaking Chase

Derbyshire Falcons put in one of their most memorable performances of the season in their last outing, where they crushed Yorkshire by seven wickets. Chasing a daunting 201, the Falcons tore into the target with explosive batting in the powerplay, reaching 90 runs in the first six overs.

Aneurin Donald was the standout star, producing a sensational 85 off just 30 balls, including 13-ball fifty — equaling the fastest in Blast history. With seven sixes and eight boundaries, he left the opposition stunned. His fiery knock, supported by Wayne Madsen’s composed 38 not out, saw Derbyshire reach the target in only 17.2 overs — securing their third win and keeping their qualification hopes alive.

Rapids Reignite Their Campaign with Convincing Victory

Worcestershire Rapids also returned to winning ways with an emphatic six-wicket victory over Northamptonshire. Kashif Ali played the innings of his T20 career, blasting 88 off 46 balls and forming a record 127-run third-wicket partnership with Gareth Roderick — the highest-ever for the Rapids in T20s.

On the bowling front, Adam Finch claimed 3 for 28, with Tom Taylor’s early double strike pushing Northamptonshire onto the back foot. Although a late cameo helped the opposition reach 152, the Rapids cruised to victory and broke a four-match losing streak, rejuvenating their campaign just in time.

Head-to-Head: Last Encounter Went Down to the Wire

When these two sides met earlier this season, Derbyshire edged out Worcestershire in a thriller, chasing 170 off the final delivery. Ross Whiteley anchored the chase with an unbeaten 41 from 22, while Pat Brown tormented his former team with 4 for 23. Despite fielding a depleted side with eight senior players missing, Worcestershire gave a spirited performance, driven by Ed Pollock’s fifty and impressive debut efforts from Jack Home and Harry Darley.

Derbyshire Falcons: Form, Strategy, and Key Players

The Falcons have built their campaign around explosive starts and middle-order experience. Aneurin Donald, currently the tournament’s most destructive batter, has tallied 312 runs with a staggering strike rate of 212. His four half-centuries have all come in matches that Derbyshire have won. Alongside him, Caleb Jewell brings stability with 258 runs at a strike rate of 141.

Wayne Madsen, the veteran at number three, continues to be a reliable anchor. In the middle order, Smit Patel, Ross Whiteley, and Zak Chappell provide both firepower and flexibility. Patel has also contributed with the ball, claiming 10 wickets at an average of 25.

The bowling attack is led by Patrick Brown, who has 12 wickets but will be looking to reduce his economy rate. Spin and pace support comes from AM Ghazanfar (11 wickets at 7.58 economy) and Martin Andersson. Chappell, too, has shone as an all-rounder with both bat and ball.

Falcons’ Players to Watch: Aneurin Donald, Ross Whiteley, Patrick Brown

Expected XI: Caleb Jewell, Aneurin Donald (wk), Harry Came, Wayne Madsen, Samit Patel (c), Ross Whiteley, Martin Andersson, Zak Chappell, Alex Thomson, AM Ghazanfar, Patrick Brown

Worcestershire Rapids: Momentum Shifting at the Right Time

After a difficult run, the Rapids appear to have regained confidence. Openers Isaac Mohammed and captain Brett D’Oliveira bring intent at the top. Mohammed has scored 69 runs in 4 games at a rapid strike rate of 191, while D’Oliveira has contributed 170 runs in 7 matches, also striking at 170.

The middle order is packed with impact players. Kashif Ali’s 88 in the last match was a masterclass in aggressive strokeplay. He now has 242 runs in 8 matches at a strike rate exceeding 155. Ethan Brookes adds balance with 242 runs and 4 wickets, while Ben Dwarshuis remains their most consistent performer — both with the bat (180 runs, avg. 45) and the ball (13 wickets at 8.63 economy).

The bowling unit also includes promising talent. Fateh Singh has been economical (6.9 economy, 9 wickets), and Adam Finch showed his value in the last match with a three-wicket haul. Jacob Duffy could return to add depth, having already taken 10 wickets at 23.2 average.

Rapids’ Players to Watch: Kashif Ali, Ben Dwarshuis, Fateh Singh

Expected XI: Brett D’Oliveira (c), Isaac Mohammed, Gareth Roderick (wk), Kashif Ali, Ethan Brookes, Henry Cullen, Ben Dwarshuis, Tom Taylor, Fateh Singh, Adam Finch, Khurram Shahzad

Conditions and Match Insights

Weather Forecast: Conditions at Derby on 10th July are expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 24°C. Light southeast winds may assist seamers early, but no rain interruptions are forecast.

Pitch Report: The County Ground has traditionally offered a fair contest between bat and ball. Seamers can extract swing, especially under cloud cover. Of the 10 domestic T20s played here, 6 have been won by teams defending totals. The average first innings score is 136, but recent totals suggest that scores around 150–160 could prove competitive.

Toss Strategy: Bat First
With history favoring teams that post a target, batting first could offer a crucial edge, particularly if bowlers can exploit early conditions and apply scoreboard pressure.

Prediction

Derbyshire enters the contest with renewed momentum, powered by Aneurin Donald’s sensational form. However, their over-reliance on Donald’s explosive starts is a concern — all their victories have coincided with his quick-fire half-centuries.

Meanwhile, Worcestershire appears more balanced and adaptable across departments. With Kashif Ali and Dwarshuis both in red-hot form, and considering Derby’s poor home record (three losses in three games), the Rapids have a strong chance to take the points.

Prediction: Worcestershire Rapids to defeat Derbyshire Falcons and climb the North Group table.