Sussex Sharks are set to meet Gloucestershire for the third occasion this season in the second semi-final of the T20 Blast 2024. Sussex leads 2-0 in the head-to-head battles this season. With bowlers like Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, and Tymal Mills, the Sharks are poised to challenge Gloucestershire’s batting lineup. Gloucestershire’s middle-order batter James Taylor will need to step up and help his team post a competitive total, as their bowlers led them to victory in the quarter-final by defending just 138 runs.
The Sussex Sharks’ top-order has been consistent, and they will be the players to watch in this match. Their performances have been pivotal in maintaining the Sharks’ dominance throughout the season.
Sussex Preview
Sussex Sharks have already beaten Gloucestershire twice this season and look stronger with the addition of Jofra Archer. Captain Tymal Mills, a key bowler, will play a vital role, particularly in the death overs. Other bowlers like Ollie Robinson and Bradley Currie have been consistent wicket-takers.
The batting order is led by two in-form openers, and while the middle-order, including Tom Clark and James Coles, hasn’t been as prolific, they have still contributed valuable runs. Fynn Hudson-Prentice and John Simpson were crucial in Sussex’s win while chasing 168 against Gloucestershire earlier in the season.
The top-order’s reliability will be critical, especially from Ward and Hughes, who are expected to provide a strong start and set the tone for the match.
Sussex Predicted Playing XI:
Tymal Mills (c), Harrison Ward, Tom Clark, James Coles, Daniel Hughes, Tom Alsop, John Simpson (wk), Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Bradley Currie.
Key Players from the Previous Game:
Batsmen:
Daniel Hughes: 35 runs off 22 balls
James Coles: 27 runs off 26 balls
Harrison Ward: 27 runs off 18 balls
Bowlers:
Ollie Robinson: 4-0-27-2
Bradley Currie: 2-0-16-2
Jofra Archer: 3.3-0-20-2
Gloucestershire Preview
Gloucestershire will be looking for their first win against Sussex this season. The team’s strength lies in their bowling, having defended totals in their last three matches. Key batters like Oliver Price and James Taylor will need to perform in the middle order to ensure Gloucestershire can post a competitive score. Price contributed three wickets in the previous game but must also step up with the bat.
The opening pair of Miles Hammond and Cameron Bancroft are in good form, but their efforts might fall short if the middle-order does not deliver key partnerships. David Payne will lead the bowling attack and will be crucial for Gloucestershire’s chances, with support from Oliver Price, Tom Smith, and Matt Taylor.
Gloucestershire Predicted Playing XI:
Oliver Price (c), Miles Hammond, James Bracey (wk), Jack Taylor, Cameron Bancroft, Tom Price, Matt Taylor, Ben Charlesworth, David Payne, Josh Shaw, Tom Smith.
Key Players from the Previous Game:
Batsmen:
Cameron Bancroft: 43 runs off 35 balls
Miles Hammond: 30 runs off 24 balls
Tom Price: 19 runs off 14 balls
Bowlers:
David Payne: 4-1-23-4
Oliver Price: 4-0-32-3
Josh Shaw: 4-0-16-2
SUS vs GLO Fantasy XI:
- Wicketkeeper: John Simpson
- Batters: Harrison Ward, Daniel Hughes, Miles Hammond, Cameron Bancroft
- All-rounders: Fynn Hudson-Prentice, James Coles, Oliver Price
- Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, David Payne
Captain: Jofra Archer
Vice-Captain: Ollie Robinson
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Weather Conditions: The weather in Birmingham is expected to be cloudy with a high of 17°C. The overcast conditions will favor the pacers, helping them move the ball in the air. No rain interruptions are expected.
SUS vs GLO Pitch Report:
The match will be held at Edgbaston, Birmingham, which has been bowling-friendly. Pacers have thrived on this surface, with an average first-innings score of 120 in the last 10 T20s. The bowlers will play a significant role, and the toss-winning team is likely to bat first, as teams batting first have won 7 of the last 9 T20 Blast matches here.
Toss:
To Bat Teams batting first have had more success at this venue. With both teams boasting in-form bowlers, the winning side will be confident in defending a score.
Win Prediction
- Sussex Sharks (SUS) win probability: 60%
- Sussex has a strong bowling lineup with Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, and Tymal Mills. Their top-order batting is also in good form, having beaten Gloucestershire twice this season.
- Gloucestershire (GLO) win probability: 40%
- While Gloucestershire has been competitive, their middle-order inconsistency and reliance on key bowlers like David Payne might make it difficult to overpower Sussex.
