Kent Spitfires will take on Essex in the south Group match of the T20 Blast. The match will be at the Spitfire Ground, Canterbury, starting at 11:30 PM BST.
In a thrilling Vitality Blast encounter at Hove on June 20, 2024, Sussex emerged victorious over Kent by 31 runs. Batting first, Sussex posted a formidable total of 201 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs, showcasing an impressive display of power hitting. Despite a valiant effort from the Kent batsmen, they fell short of the target, managing 170 for 7 in their 20 overs. Sussex’s comprehensive performance with both bat and ball ensured their triumph in this high-scoring contest, solidifying their position in the South Group standings.
In an exciting Vitality Blast match at Chelmsford on June 20, 2024, Essex clinched a commanding victory over Hampshire by 8 wickets with 19 balls to spare. Hampshire set a competitive target of 167, scoring 166 for 7 in their 20 overs. However, Essex’s batsmen made light work of the chase, reaching 170 for 2 in just 16.5 overs. Their dominant batting performance, characterized by aggressive stroke play and solid partnerships, secured a comfortable win and demonstrated their formidable prowess in the South Group.
Kent Spitfires vs Essex Team Preview & Squads
Kent Spitfires
In their Vitality Blast match against Sussex, Kent’s chase of 202 fell short, concluding at 170 for 7 in 20 overs. Despite a solid 51 from captain Sam Billings and a spirited 34 not out from Joey Evison, Kent struggled to keep up with the required run rate. Sussex bowlers Robinson, Mills, McAndrew, and Lamb took crucial wickets at regular intervals, preventing Kent from building significant partnerships. Daniel Bell-Drummond’s 37 provided a steady start, but the middle order faltered under pressure. Sussex’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding sealed a 31-run victory, leaving Kent unable to overcome the challenging target.
Kent’s bowlers had a mixed performance with Xavier Bartlett standing out with figures of 4-0-27-2, maintaining an economy of 6.75. Matt Parkinson also impressed, claiming 3 wickets for 31 runs in his 4 overs. However, Beyers Swanepoel and Grant Stewart faced difficulties, conceding 53 and 51 runs respectively, with economy rates over 12. Despite occasional breakthroughs from Marcus O’Riordan and Swanepoel, Kent’s bowling effort couldn’t contain Sussex’s aggressive batting, resulting in a high target that proved too steep to chase.
Kent Spitfires Squads
Kent Spitfires
Sam Billings (c & wk), Zak Crawley, Marcus O’Riordan, Joey Evison, Tawanda Muyeye, Grant Stewart, Xavier Bartlett, Harry Finch, Matthew Parkinson, Daniel Bell-Drummond, and Beyers Swanepoel.
Essex
Chasing a target of 167, Essex achieved the total with 19 balls remaining, finishing at 170 for 2 in 16.5 overs. Dean Elgar played a pivotal role with an unbeaten 60 off 44 deliveries, anchoring the innings with a steady strike rate of 136.36. He was well-supported by Michael Pepper, who contributed a brisk 44 off just 24 balls before falling to Wood. Jordan Cox provided the finishing touches with a rapid 45 off 25 balls, including 5 boundaries and 2 sixes. Essex’s efficient batting display showcased their dominance in the South Group standings, highlighting their capability to chase down challenging targets effectively.
Matt Critchley emerged as the standout bowler, picking up 2 wickets while conceding 20 runs in his 3 overs, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 6.66. Ben Allison also contributed with 3 wickets but was more expensive, giving away 44 runs in his 4 overs at an economy of 11.00. Paul Walter and Shane Snater each managed to take a wicket apiece, but struggled with economy rates of 9.75 and 7.66 respectively. Simon Harmer bowled a tight spell, conceding only 17 runs in his 4 overs without taking a wicket.
Essex Squads
Essex
Simon Harmer (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Paul Walter, Charlie Allison, Matthew Critchley, Luke Benkenstein, Jordan Cox, Shane Snater, Dean Elgar, and Ben Allison.
Match Details
Match
Kent Spitfires vs Essex, South Group | Vitality Blast 2024
According to cricket analysts, Essex has a 54% chance of winning.
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