Somerset vs Gloucestershire, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2022, Today Match Prediction

som vs gloucs Match Prediction & Analysis

Somerset were shocked by Kent in their last game and would be hoping to put that loss behind them as they resume after the break. They are still well placed at No.2 in the South Group with 10 points and a net run rate of +0.669. They face Gloucestershire next who are 4th in the group with 9 points and a net run rate of +0.130. Somerset would take confidence from the fact that they have already beaten Gloucestershire once this season.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Somerset Preview

Somerset suffered a jolt in their last game where they were beaten by bottom-placed Kent by 32 runs. They could only manage 170-9 while chasing a huge target of 203 runs. While the loss will hurt, Somerset have enough firepower to get back to winning ways. 

Somerset’s main problem is that their batting has been largely dependent on two batters - Rilee Rossouw (298 runs at a strike rate of 191.02) and Will Smeed (207 runs at 164.28). The others have been inconsistent and barring these two, only captain Tom Abell has crossed 100 runs. Tom Banton has had a quiet season and the opener would be hoping to click this game.

Josh Davey has been the team’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an economy of 9.19, followed by Ben Green who has 10 wickets at 8.57. The addition of the vastly experienced Peter Siddle will bolster the bowling unit as he’s likely to deliver some miserly overs in the middle. 
 

Somerset Predicted Playing XI:

Tom Banton (wk), Will Smeed, Rilee Rossouw, Tom Abell (c), Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory, Roelof van der Merwe, Ben Green, Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Peter Siddle

Somerset Actual Playing XI:

RR Rossouw, Tom Lammonby, Peter Siddle, Ben Green, Lewis Gregory, Thomas Abell, RE Van Der Merwe, Will Smeed, Jack Brooks, Lewis Goldsworthy, Tom Banton

Gloucestershire Preview

Gloucestershire have had a good season so far and are coming off a thrilling 4-run win in their last match against Sussex where they successfully defended a small target of 146. David Payne’s incredible spell of 17-3 from 3.4 overs and Zak Chappell (3-19 off 4 overs) turned the game their way. Even left-arm spinner Tom Smith bowled beautifully and returned figures of 2-24 in 3 overs. Payne has been the tournament’s leading wicket-taker so far with 17 scalps. In Payne, Smith, and Chappell, they now have a set of dependable bowlers. 

Gloucestershire’s batting so far hasn’t been the best. Their leading run-scorer this season is Glenn Phillips with 201 runs at 133.11. James Bracey is next with 177 runs at 123.7. Captain Jack Taylor played a game-changing knock of 46 off 31 balls in a late blitz in the last game. His form down the order will be crucial for the team going ahead.
 

Gloucestershire Predicted Playing XI:

Miles Hammond, James Bracey (wk), Ian Cockbain, Glenn Phillips, Jack Taylor (c), Ryan Higgins, Benny Howell, Tom Smith, David Payne, Zak Chappell, Josh Shaw

Gloucestershire Actual Playing XI:

Matthew David Taylor, Zak Chappell, Ian Cockbain, James Bracey, Benny Howell, Jack Taylor, Mohammad Amir, Glenn Phillips, Ryan Higgins, Tom Smith, Miles Hammond

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch here is great for batting but tends to help seamers and slower bowlers in the second half. If there’s no moisture around, the team batting first will have a great time and we can expect a flurry of runs.

Venue Details

Of the four games played at the Cooper Associates County Ground this season, we have already seen two totals in excess of 200 by the team batting first. The average score by the team batting first here is 175 but totals above 190 have been achieved 13 times here in 54 games.

Toss: To Bat

Batting first has usually yielded better results at the Cooper Associates County Ground. The team winning the toss is likely to bat first.