Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
THE FACTS
Where can I get tickets for the T20 Blast? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for the T20 Blast
What channel is the T20 Blast on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to show the T20 Blast so it is worth checking their schedule here
Where can I stream the T20 Blast in the UK? Matches that are televised on Sky Sports 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
THE FIXTURES
Below is a list of the day’s South Group fixtures:
Glamorgan vs Surrey - 18:30 BST
Kent Spitfires vs Essex Eagles – 18:30 BST
Hampshire vs Somerset - 19:00 BST
GLAMORGAN vs SURREY
THE LOWDOWN
GLAMORGAN
Glamorgan have quietly, but impressively advanced to four wins from their opening five matches in the 2023 T20 Blast, winning each of their last three. They are excellently placed in the South Group but will want to avoid any slip-ups that could derail the momentum which they have worked so hard to build. But whilst their key batters are in such good form, teams are finding it extremely difficult to outscore the Welsh county at present.
SURREY
Surrey are still one of the main contenders for the T20 Blast title and are still very-well placed to finish inside the top four of the South Group, they have shown a tendency to fall flight at times, particularly with the bat. Subpar batting displays have led to defeats against both Sussex Sharks and Gloucestershire with the ripple-effect of losing opener Jason Roy through injury perhaps still being felt. However, they did edge past Kent Spitfires most recently, winning off the last ball of the game.
THE PREDICTION
When you take into account the contrast in consistency between these two teams with the bat, you have to favour Glamorgan to outscore Surrey, especially with home advantage being in their favour. The worry for the visitors is that they possess a number of players capable of giving the ball a good whack, but not so many specialist batters capable of playing a match-defining innings, which they’ll need against a Glamorgan side in such good form. Back the hosts to pick up two points in this one.
TIP: GLAMORGAN TO WIN
KENT SPITFIRES vs ESSEX EAGLES
THE LOWDOWN
KENT SPITFIRES
Kent Spitfires suffered heartbreak most recently against Surrey, conceding four runs off the penultimate ball of the match, leaving the visitors needing just one for victory off the final delivery, which they duly struck. As a result, Kent have now lost their last four T20 Blast games, quite the turnaround when looking back at that excellent victory against Gloucestershire in their opening fixture of the tournament.
ESSEX EAGLES
Essex Eagles are another side who started the competition well but have come undone since, their batters significantly letting them down in crunch situations. The bowlers have held their own, but too many key top batters are out of form, leaving huge pressure on the younger players such as Michael Pepper and Robin Das to pick up the slack. They cannot afford another meek top order showing this time round against their biggest rivals.
THE PREDICTION
The ‘Battle of the Bridge’ is always a feisty affair and you’d expect nothing different in this encounter with both teams desperate for three points. A close contest is likely, as it was the last time Kent Spitfires were in action, but Surrey with all their experience got over the line. Essex Eagles however, failed when their mettle was tested in a really tight encounter, losing against Somerset and Kent Spitfires may well capitalise on a soft Essex underbelly. With home advantage, back Kent to end their losing run.
TIP: KENT SPITFIRES TO WIN
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS vs SOMERSET
THE LOWDOWN
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS
Hampshire Hawks haven’t left it as late this year to get on the winning trail and a victory against Somerset, the side who demolished them in their opening game would serve as a real statement from their point of view. The Hawks’ most recent home fixture saw them demolish Sussex by ten wickets, bowling them out for 144 before chasing it down in just 14.5 overs, Ben McDermott and James Vince showing their class as an opening partnership.
SOMERSET
Somerset put their 100% record on the line once again here at the Ageas Bowl, three days after their toughest challenge yet, but arguably their most impressive victory. After having been bowled out for 150 against Essex Eagles at Taunton, a magnificent showing with the ball saw the Cidermen dismiss Essex for just 139 in reply, taking consistent wickets, before late scoreboard pressure forced the visitors to collapse. Somerset are now the only team left of the 18 counties yet to taste defeat in the 2023 T20 Blast.
THE PREDICTION
Should Hampshire Hawks have Somerset in the same position as Essex Eagles did on the Sunday, the Hawks are simply too strong a side to let them off the hook. The top orders of both teams are well-matched, but with Tom Banton having missed the last game through injury, his fitness is unknown and whether the wicket-keeper batter plays or not, this is surely a big concern for Somerset. Hampshire at home, with gun-batter Vince in incredible form are formidable opponents and are worth backing to inflict Somerset’s first T20 Blast defeat upon them in 2023.
TIP: HAMPSHIRE HAWKS TO WIN
