Somerset's quest to get over the Oval jinx against Surrey 

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Somerset has won only once in the last nine games against Surrey at Kennington Oval. 
• Surrey's openers, Will Jacks and Laurie Evans, have more than 900 runs between them.  
• Surrey has more depth in batting and bowling departments, adding to the advantage  

MATCH PREVIEW     

It is the 112th game of the T20 Blast, 2023, and we will have an epic clash in the South Group where Surrey takes on Somerset at home. Surrey is at the second spot on the points table and shall aim for a win to book a berth in the next round. Somerset is already through to the next round, and they shall look to avenge their loss to Surrey in the earlier game. Both teams have their key players in good form. Given the fierce rivalry between the two teams, we expect a good contest.  

Surrey Preview      

Chris Jordan will like to overcome the loss against Hampshire Hawks in the last game. In a game where the bowlers on both camps went on a leather hunt, Surrey failed to defend 252 runs on the board. They have a strong group of players who have done well, and Jordan would like his players to take full advantage of the home conditions in this game.  

Will Jacks and Laurie Evans set up a 177-run partnership in the last game, and the side will hope for a similar effort from the players. They have a strong middle order and need partnerships between Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, and Tom Curran. Sunil Narine, Chris Jordan, and Sean Abbott add firepower to this line-up, making it formidable.  

They had a forgettable outing with the ball in the last game. Sean Abbott and Sam Curran must strike early to put the side in a commanding position. Sunil Narine has enjoyed a good season and has an important role in this game. They will also expect good spells from Gus Atkinson, Cameron Steel, and Will Jacks.   

Expected Starting XI for Surrey     

Chris Jordan (c), Will Jacks, Laurie Evans, Sunil Narine, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Tom Curran, Josh Blake (wk), Sean Abbott, Cameron Steel, Gus Atkinson 

Somerset Preview      

Lewis Gregory's side is through to the tournament's knockout stage after their 4-wicket win against Gloucestershire in the last game. The Somerset skipper would be relieved and look to build momentum in their remaining games. Earlier in the season, they had lost against Surrey, and Gregory knows his opponents' strength and needs to put in a strong effort in this game.   

Will Smeed scored 404 runs this year and will look to set up a big opening wicket partnership with Tom Banton. Tom Kohler-Cadmore has done well in the middle order, and the team will need a good show from him, along with Tom Abell and Sean Dickson. Lewis Gregory, Ben Green, and Craig Overton add depth to this line-up.  

The side will need a good spell with the new ball from Craig Overton and Matt Henry in this game, as Surrey has a strong batting line-up. Ben Green is the leading wicket-taker with 25 wickets, and he has to do well with Roelof van der Merwe. Gregory needs to deliver the goods as a support bowler.  

Expected Starting XI for Somerset     

Lewis Gregory (c), Tom Banton (wk), Will Smeed, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Tom Abell, Sean Dickson, Ben Green, Josh Davey, Craig Overton, Roelof van der Merwe, Matt Henry 

TOSS: To Bowl First      

It is a good T20 surface as it has something for the batsmen and the bowlers. There is early assistance for the fast bowlers, but batsmen can play their strokes easily once they get their eyes set. The side winning the toss won't hesitate to bowl first and use the early moisture on the surface.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The skies over London will have a slight cloud cover. The ball will move around in the early overs of the game. We saw a run feast in the last game played here, and batsmen can play their strokes without fear. The side batting first shall eye a total above 180 runs to feel safe on this ground.   

OUR PREDICTION      

Somerset has been in excellent form, and they have done well to become the first team to reach the quarterfinals. However, they have had a poor record against Surrey at the Kennington Oval. Surrey has depth in their batting, bowling, and the most consistent opening pair this season. It is a clash between two of the best sides in the tournament, but Surrey playing at home, has the edge.    

Our Prediction is for Surrey to win