Match Overview: Northamptonshire vs Somerset
Northamptonshire and Somerset will face off in the third quarter-final of the Vitality Blast 2024. The match will be held at County Ground, Northampton, on September 5, starting at 11:00 PM IST. Both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals in what promises to be an exciting encounter.
Northamptonshire’s Journey So Far
Northamptonshire had a fantastic run in the tournament, finishing second in the North Group with 8 wins and 4 losses. The team wrapped up the group stage with a crucial win against Lancashire, earning 18 points and a net run rate of -0.151. Northamptonshire’s performance throughout the competition has been consistent, and they will be looking to carry this momentum into the quarter-finals.
Somerset’s Season Recap
Somerset had a more turbulent campaign, finishing 3rd in the South Group with 8 wins and 5 losses, earning 17 points and a higher net run rate of 0.497. Despite a loss in their last group match against Glamorgan, Somerset has a strong batting lineup and will be eager to bounce back in the knockout stages.
Winning Probability
Somerset’s chances of winning: 65%
Northamptonshire’s chances of winning: 35%
Betting Tips: Somerset to Shine Early
Somerset’s opening pair, Tom Banton and George Thomas, have been in good form. They are expected to score over 25.5 runs before the first dismissal, as the duo has averaged strong starts in recent games. With Tom Banton averaging 44.00 and George Thomas 31.75 in the competition, Somerset’s openers will be crucial to their success.
Toss Prediction
The pitch at County Ground, Northampton, offers a balanced surface for both batters and bowlers. Early on, the bounce and carry make it favorable for batting, but as the game progresses, seam bowlers tend to find more assistance. High scores are common at this venue, so setting a competitive total and using the pitch’s characteristics wisely will be key.
Weather Conditions
Rain may interrupt the game, with the temperature expected to stay below 17°C. Both teams will need to adapt to potential delays and wet outfield conditions.
Predicted Playing XI: Somerset
Tom Banton (WK)
George Thomas
Sean Dickson
Tom Abell
Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Lewis Gregory (C)
Ben Green
Craig Overton
Jack Leach
Riley Meredith
Jake Ball
Predicted Playing XI: Northamptonshire
Ricardo Vasconcelos
Matthew Breetzke
Saif Zaib
Lewis McManus (WK)
Ravi Bopara
David Willey (C)
Ashton Agar
Guss Miller
Ben Sanderson
Freddie Heldreich
Jack White
Key Player Predictions: Somerset
Top Batter: Tom Banton has been a standout performer with 440 runs at an average of 44.00 in 13 matches.
Top Bowler: Ben Green has led Somerset’s bowling attack, taking 21 wickets in 13 games, including 2 in the last match.
Key Player Predictions: Northamptonshire
Top Batter: Matthew Breetzke has been Northamptonshire’s leading run-scorer with 460 runs in 13 games, striking at over 150.00. His 76 runs in the last match will boost his confidence heading into this game.
Top Bowler: David Willey, with 15 wickets in the tournament, is expected to lead Northamptonshire’s bowling attack. He claimed 2 wickets in the last match against Lancashire.
Head-to-Head Record
In the last 5 matches between the two sides, Somerset leads with 3 wins to Northamptonshire’s 2.
