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Match number 21 of the 2024 Vitality Blast sees Surrey clashing with the defending champions, Somerset. Both teams have started the season strong and will be eager to continue their winning momentum. Somerset holds a psychological edge, having dominated Surrey in recent meetings, winning twice in three matches in 2023. Can Surrey challenge the champions, or will Somerset continue their reign?
Teams Preview
Surrey Preview
Team Overview: Surrey has had a winning start to the 2024 Vitality Blast, triumphing in both of their first two games. They defeated Hampshire by 5 wickets and Glamorgan by 19 runs, currently sitting at the top of the South Group with 4 points and a NRR of +0.654.
Key Players:
- Jamie Smith: The team’s highest run-getter with 106 runs in two matches at a strike rate of 193. His 76 off 38 balls was instrumental in Surrey’s victory against Glamorgan.
- Laurie Evans and Jason Roy: Despite a slow start, these experienced batsmen are crucial for Surrey’s success.
- Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, and Spencer Johnson: Each has taken 3 wickets in 2 games, vital to Surrey’s bowling lineup.
- Sean Abbott and Jordan Clark: Both have taken 2 wickets each, adding depth to the bowling attack.
Predicted Playing XI: Daniel Lawrence, Laurie Evans, Jason Roy, Ollie Pope (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Tom Curran, Jordan Clark, Sean Abbott, Cameron Steel, Gus Atkinson, Spencer Johnson.
Somerset Preview
Team Overview: Defending champions Somerset have started the season confidently, beating Essex by four wickets in their first game. They chased down Essex’s target of 194 with five balls remaining.
Key Players:
- Tom Abell: Scored 55 off 36 balls, anchoring the chase against Essex.
- Lewis Gregory: Contributed a quickfire 44 off 20 balls and also took 3 wickets.
- Will Smeed: A blistering 39 off 16 balls, providing a strong start.
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Banton: Both had successful seasons in 2023 and are crucial for big scores.
Bowling Attack:
- Ben Green and Craig Overton: Known for taking wickets, despite sometimes being expensive.
- Roelof van der Merwe: The experienced left-arm spinner with a T20 economy of 7.28, crucial in the middle overs.
Predicted Playing XI: Will Smeed, Tom Banton (wk), Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Sean Dickson, Lewis Gregory (c), Ben Green, Craig Overton, Roelof van der Merwe, Jake Ball, Riley Meredith.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report: The Kennington Oval in London offers a superb batting surface with good bounce and movement for seamers. The average first innings score here is 165, and the highest total is 254-3 by Middlesex, chasing 252-7 by Surrey last year. Expect a high-scoring game with teams aiming for 190-200 if batting first.
Weather Conditions: The weather in London will be mostly cloudy and pleasant, with no rain expected, ensuring a full game.
Toss Prediction: Given that four of the seven games at Kennington Oval last year were won by the chasing team, the team winning the toss is likely to opt to field first.
Winning Prediction
Surrey holds a 13-9 head-to-head record against Somerset in the Vitality Blast T20. However, Somerset has dominated recent encounters, winning three of their last five games against Surrey. Both teams are confident after their winning starts, but Somerset’s balanced lineup and recent form give them the edge.
Back Somerset as the winners of this match.