Surrey will play Middlesex at the Kia Oval in London in the T20 Blast 2021’s South Group. Surrey has had a solid performance in the T20 Blast this season, winning three of their five games. Surrey has a quality team to fall back on, despite their recent losses, with players like Will Jacks and Daniel Moriarty in good form. However, they will need the expertise of Rory Burns and Jade Dernbach more than ever to keep their top-four hopes alive.
Middlesex is currently in last place in the table, with only one win. Despite Middlesex’s inability to gel as a unit, Chris Green’s performances with the ball are impressive. They will need players like Stephen Eskinazi and captain Steve Finn to step up to win a match again.
Weather
The temperature is forecast to be approximately 20 degrees Celsius, with 56% humidity and a wind speed of 10km/h. During the game, there is a 30% probability of precipitation.
Pitch
A decent batting track is awaiting, with some assistance for the pacers as well. Although the quick bowlers should get the ball swinging early, the batsmen will want to take advantage of the powerplay opportunities. As the game proceeds, the spinners will enter the fight, levelling the playing field between bat and ball. Both teams will try to chase, with a total of 160-170 being a good total for the location.
Playing XIs
Surrey
Gareth Batty (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Laurie Evans, Ben Geddes, Jordan Clark, Rory Burns, Jamie Overton, Daniel Moriarty, Gus Atkinson, Jade Dernbach
Middlesex
Steven Finn (c), John Simpson (wk), Joe Cracknell, Stephen Eskinazi, Chris Green, Tom Helm, Nick Gubbins, Daryl Mitchell, Luke Hollman, Tim Murtagh, Nathan Sowter
Surrey vs Middlesex – South Group, Dream 11
Laurie Evans (c), John Simpson (wk), Rory Burns, Stephen Eskinazi, Will Jacks, Jordan Clark, Chris Green, Daryl Mitchell, Steven Finn, Nathan Sowter, Daniel Moriarty
Prediction
Match winner
- Surrey
Winning the toss
- Surrey
Top Batsman
- Surrey – Laurie Evans
- Middlesex – Joe Cracknell
Top Bowler
- Surrey – Daniel Moriarty
- Middlesex – Chris Green
Most Sixes
- Surrey – Laurie Evans
- Middlesex – Joe Cracknell
Player of the Match
- Surrey – Laurie Evans
Team Scores Batting First
- Surrey – 180+
- Middlesex – 165+
Although Surrey will start as favourites, Middlesex has a well-balanced team capable of upset their London rivals.