WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids will launch their bid for further Vitality Blast glory with two of their opening three Central Group fixtures at New Road over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
After an away trip to face Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens on Thursday, August 27, the Rapids will host Northants Steelbacks on August 29 and then Gloucestershire on August 31.
The Rapids won the competition for the first time in 2018 and came within a whisker of repeating the feat last summer when they finished runners-up to Essex Eagles.
Coupled with their progress in the Royal London One-Day Cup, the Rapids have established themselves as one of the most successful white-ball sides in the country.
The eagerly awaited derby meetings with local rivals Birmingham Bears will both take place in mid-September and within the space of five days.
The Rapids will entertain the Bears on Sunday, September 13 and then make the trip to Edgbaston for a return encounter on Friday, September 18.
Joe Leach’s men will also appear at Edgbaston for their ‘home’ fixture against Somerset on Thursday, September 3 as part of a Sky Sports double header which will also feature Northants Steelbacks versus Glamorgan.
The ECB has confirmed that this summer’s shortened domestic season will culminate with Vitality Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday, October 3.
VITALITY BLAST FIXTURES 2020
Thursday, August 27 – Glamorgan (Sophia Gardens) – 6.30pm
Saturday, August 29 – Northamptonshire Steelbacks (Blackfinch New Road) – 1pm
Monday, August 31 – Gloucestershire (Blackfinch New Road) – 1pm
Thursday, September 3– Somerset (at Edgbaston Stadium) – time TBC
Friday, September 4 – Gloucestershire (The County Ground, Bristol) – 2pm
Friday, September 11 – Somerset (The Cooper Associates County Ground) – 6.30pm
Sunday, September 13 – Birmingham Bears (Blackfinch New Road) – 1pm
Tuesday, September 15 – Northamptonshire Steelbacks (The County Ground, Northampton) – 6.30pm
Friday, September 18 – Birmingham Bears (Edgbaston Stadium) – 6.30pm
Sunday, September 20 – Glamorgan (Blackfinch New Road) – 1pm