Vitality Blast 2023 Cricket Prediction | South Group: Essex vs Middlesex

Essex vs Middlesex at a Glance

• Michael Pepper and Paul Walter will be relied upon by Essex to perform with the bat.
• The T20 Blast’s 226-run chase by Sussex versus Essex in 2014 was the highest target ever set at the County Ground in Chelmsford.
• Pacers have taken 91 wickets in the last 10 Vitality Blast games at Chelmsford, while spinners have taken 42.

Essex vs Middlesex Team Preview

Essex

Essex is making a strong effort to qualify for the Vitality T20 Blast 2023 playoffs with 7 victories in 12 games. However, since several other teams are also vying for a spot, Essex needs to win as many of their remaining games as they can because doing so would greatly increase their chances.      

Dan Lawrence, who scored 70 and 52 in the previous two games for Essex, has rediscovered his form. Not long ago, he also scored 53 against Middlesex. Daniel Sams also hit 67 against Middlesex a few days ago, and Michael Pepper made 64 off 34 in their previous meeting. There will be a lot riding on these players.

Middlesex

Middlesex has struggled this season, recording just one victory in 12 games. 11 out of the team’s last 12 games have ended in losses.    

Middlesex’s lone victory this year came against Surrey as they chased 253. Stevie Eskinazi scored 73 while Max Holden scored 68 in the game. Holden has a century in the competition as well. Another crucial batter is Joe Cracknell.

Essex vs Middlesex Team Playing Squads

Essex Squads

Essex

Simon Harmer (c), William Buttleman (wk), Feroze Khushi, Robin Das, Matthew Critchley, Paul Walter, Daniel Sams, Michael-Kyle Pepper, Ben Allison, Daniel Lawrence, Aaron Beard

Middlesex Squads 

Middlesex

Stephen Eskinazi (c), John Simpson (wk), Ryan Higgins, Jack Davies, Josh De Caires, Luke Hollman, Martin Andersson, Max Holden, Nathan Fernandes, Joe Cracknell, Toby Greatwood

Essex vs Middlesex Team Form in Last 5 Matches

Essex vs Middlesex outfield report

Essex vs Middlesex outfield report

This season, the chasing team has triumphed in five of the six games played at the County Ground in Chelmsford. It follows that whoever wins the toss in this situation will probably choose to bat first.

Although there won’t be any rain in Chelmsford throughout the game, the sky will be generally cloudy.

The pitch will be suitable for batting here and will have some movement early on for the new ball bowlers. Here, a score of about 180 can be considered average.

Essex vs Middlesex Prediction

Winning the toss

• Essex

Player of the Match

• Essex – Michael-Kyle Pepper

Most sixes

• Essex – Michael-Kyle Pepper
• Middlesex – Stephen Eskinazi

Most wickets

• Essex – Daniel Sams
• Middlesex – Tom Helm

Most runs

• Essex – Michael-Kyle Pepper
• Middlesex – Stephen Eskinazi

Team Scores Batting First

• Essex – 185+   
• Middlesex – 175+  

According to our prediction, Essex will win this match.