2021 Vitality t20 Blast Semi-Final – Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks taking place? Saturday 18th September, 2021 – 14:30 (UK)
Where is Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks taking place? Edgbaston, Birmingham
What is the expected weather for Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks? 19c with a chance of light rain showers and light winds
Where can I get tickets for Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks? Click here for the latest ticket information
What channel is Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks on? Sky Sports have the rights to show the T20 Blast so check their schedule here to see if they will be showing this match
Where can I stream Kent Spitfires vs Sussex Sharks? If televised on Sky Sports, this match can be streamed live on Sky Go. If not televised on Sky, this match can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of each competing team, as well as the England Cricket app
THE LOWDOWN
Kent Spitfires have firmly established themselves as the team to beat heading into T20 Blast finals day, having topped the South Group with nine wins from 14 games and brushing aside Birmingham Bears by 21 runs in the quarter-finals. However, Sussex Sharks are a strong team in their own right and went unbeaten against the Spitfires across the group stage, beating them by four wickets at Canterbury whilst the reverse fixture at Hove was washed out. The Sharks are boosted by the availability of all-rounder George Garton before he jets off to represent Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, whilst finals day represents a final opportunity for England T20i fast bowler Chris Jordan and opener Phil Salt to win a trophy with Sussex. Kent Spitfires boast the services of Afghanistan international spin-bowler Qais Ahmad and captain Sam Billings, like Garton will play at finals day before flying to the IPL.
THE PREDICTION
Both these two sides will be relying on their formidable opening partnerships to get them off to a good start in this semi-final with Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell Drummond going up against T20 veteran Luke Wright alongside Salt. When taking into account the strength-in-depth of the respective batting line-ups, this match is expected to be decided by the bowlers. Whilst Sussex Sharks have both Jordan and Garton within their ranks, they will be without the services of overseas leg-spin bowler Rashid Khan as well as England pacer Jofra Archer. Such absences are likely to prove a massive blow for them and Kent Spitfires could well be set to capitalise. Billings’ side have set the pace throughout this year’s T20 Blast, so back them to continue their outstanding T20 Blast campaign for one more match by coming out on top in this one.
