Match Details:
The upcoming South Group game of the T20 Blast 2020 will be played between Middlesex and Hampshire at The Lord’s, London.
This match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM Local Time (6:30 PM IST).
Preview:
Middlesex and Hampshire – placed 4th and 5th on the points table respectively in the South Group, have had a similar fate in the Blast up till now, with 1 win in 5 games. However, Middlesex is placed higher since they lost only two games while Hampshire lost three. Both teams lost their last game and hence this match assumes a lot of importance for them if they have to stay alive in the tournament.
Middlesex and Hampshire are 2 teams without many big names but a number of raw and talented youngsters. They will bank on their international captains Steven Finn and James Vince to play a crucial role and help their team win the crucial match.
Weather Report
In London, it is expected to be a sunny day with a slight breeze. The temperature range is going to be a pleasant 13-21 degree Celsius and almost no rain is expected during game time.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The track at Lord’s has been a sporting one with a number of high scores but also offering something for the bowlers early in the innings. It has been easier to bat first and pile up a big total than chase down a target. Expect a competitive game with an equal balance between bat and ball early initially, with the bat taking over eventually.
Average first innings score: 191 (Last five completed matches played at this venue)
Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 3, Tie – 1
Injury and Availability News:
Tim Murtagh has been added to Middlesex squad while Nick Gubbins misses out.
George Munsey and Liam Dawson remain unavailable for Hampshire due to injuries.
Probable Playing XIs:
Middlesex:
Max Holden, Stephen Eskinazi, Martin Andersson, Jack Davies, John Simpson(wk), Dan Lincoln, James Harris, Luke Hollman, Steven Finn(c), Tom Helm, Nathan Sowter
Bench: Joe Cracknell, Miguel Cummins, Blake Cullen, Tim Murtagh
Hampshire:
James Vince(c), Tom Alsop, Sam Northeast, Joe Weatherly, James Fuller, Lewis McManus(wk), Ian Holland, Calvin Harrison, Chris Wood, Mason Crane, Shaheen Afridi
Bench: Felix Organ, Ryan Stevenson, Bradley Wheal, Ajeet Dale
Top Picks:
Stephen Eskinazi has been in brilliant form this season of the Blast with 240 runs in 5 innings at an average of 48 and strike rate of 154.8 and is the second-highest run-getter in the tournament.
James Vince returned as captain of Hampshire in the last game against Sussex. While he scored just 10 of 7 balls, he looked a class apart. He’s had a decent 2020 in franchise cricket scoring 396 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 140 with two half-centuries.
The 22-year Max Holden has stroked his way to 190 runs in 5 innings at an average of 47.5 and strike rate of 153.2 which also includes a superb 102 in Middlesex’s opening match
Steven Finn has been in fine rhythm this year and has already picked up 9 wickets in 4 innings at an average of just 12 and economy of 6.75.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain Options – Stephen Eskinazi, James Vince
Vice-Captain Options – Max Holden, Steven Finn
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Tom Alsop
Batters – Stephen Eskinazi (c), James Vince, Sam Northeast, Max Holden (vc)
All-Rounders – Ian Holland, James Fuller
Bowlers – Mason Crane, Shaheen Afridi, Steven Finn, Tom Helm
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Dream11 Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Tom Alsop
Batters – Stephen Eskinazi, James Vince (c), Sam Northeast, Max Holden, Joe Weatherly
All-Rounders – Ian Holland, James Fuller
Bowlers – Mason Crane, Steven Finn (vc), Tom Helm
Expert Advice:
Young sensation, Shaheen Afridi hasn’t performed to his potential up till now in the Blast and after a few lukewarm performances, he could come into his own in this match. You can pick him in one of your Dream11 Fantasy teams.
Probable Winners:
Middlesex is expected to win this match.
