Kent vs Surrey, VITALITY T20 BLAST 2023, Today Match Prediction

kent vs sur Match Prediction & Analysis

Kent have a lot of catching up to do in the ongoing season of the Vitality Blast. They have managed just one win in 4 games and are 7th in the South Group table with 2 points and a net run rate of -0.311. They next take on Surrey at St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury, on June 4. Surrey are still in second place in the table with 6 points and a net run rate of 1.136. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Kent Preview

After winning their first game of the season, Kent have lost three matches in a row. They are coming off a 7-wicket loss to Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. On being asked to bat first, Kent posted a healthy 189-6 on the board, but Glamorgan chased the target down easily in just 17 overs. 

One of the positives for Kent this season has been Tawanda Muyeye. The opener has struck two fifties already and is currently leading the team’s batting charts with 132 runs in 4 innings at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 153.48. The other batter to make an impact is Daniel Bell-Drummond, who scored 111 runs in 4 innings at an average of 27.75 and a strike rate of 148.

Kent’s bowling has largely revolved around Michael Hogan this season. The Australian fast-medium bowler has taken 8 wickets in 4 innings at an economy of 7.86. Grant Stewart’s economy has been on the higher side, but he has picked up 7 wickets and is crucial for Kent during the middle overs.

Kent Predicted Playing XI:

Tawanda Muyeye, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, Sam Billings (c & wk), Jordan Cox, Jack Leaning, George Linde, Grant Stewart, Joey Evison, Wes Agar, Michael Hogan

Kent Actual Playing XI:

Joey Evison, Michael Hogan, George Linde, Grant Stewart, Kane Richardson, Joe Denly, Tawanda Muyeye, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Sam Billings, Jordan Cox, Jack Leaning

Surrey Preview

Surrey lost the chance to close up their gap on table-toppers Somerset as they lost a low-scoring thriller to Gloucestershire in Bristol on June 2. After winning the toss, Gloucestershire chose to field first and displayed their most impressive bowling and fielding performance of the campaign, limiting Surrey to 124 for 9 in 20 overs. The early collapse of Surrey, falling to 29 for 4 in the fourth over, proved to be insurmountable. Jamie Smith emerged as the highest scorer with 29 runs, followed by Jordan Clark and Chris Jordan with 25 and 24 runs, respectively. Only four batsmen managed to surpass the ten-run mark in an innings that saw a paltry total of 12 boundaries.

Will Jacks failed in the previous game, but he will remain Surrey’s MVP. He was their leading run-getter last year and is their highest scorer this season by some distance, making 162 runs in 5 matches at an average of 40.50 and a strike rate of 152.83. Laurie Evans (194 runs in the last 10 matches) is another batter worth keeping an eye out for.

Surrey’s bowling is what makes them doubly dangerous. In Sunil Narine, they have a wily and experienced spinner who will always keep the run flow in check. Narine currently has 8 wickets in 5 innings at an economy of just 6.05. Sam Curran too has been doing a wonderful job. Apart from his 100 runs with the, the all-rounder has pouched 5 wickets at an economy of 5.83 this season. Then there’s fast bowler Gus Atkinson (6 wickets in 4 innings at an economy of 8.31), who has been among the wickets. 

Surrey Predicted Playing XI:

Will Jacks, Laurie Evans, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Jamie Smith (wk), Jamie Overton, Sunil Narine, Chris Jordan (c), Jordan Clark, Cameron Steel, Gus Atkinson

Surrey Actual Playing XI:

Ben Foakes, Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Tom Curran, Gus Atkinson, Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, Sean Abbott, Chris Jordan, Sunil Narine, Laurie Evans

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The pitch at St Lawrence Ground is great for batters but has enough in it for seam bowlers as well. In the two matches played here this season, the quick bowlers have made life difficult for batters. However, the weather is expected to be sunny and clear during the match. This should make the ball come on to the bat a lot easier.

Venue Details

The average 1st innings score at the St Lawrence Ground in the Vitality Blast is 171. The highest total posted here in the tournament is 250-6 by Surrey against Kent in 2018. The team batting first here must look to set a target in the range of 160-170 runs.

Toss: To Bat

St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury usually favors the team batting first. Out of the 52 T20 domestic matches played here, 32 have been won by the team batting first. The side winning the toss in this game is expected to bat first.