SUR vs ESS 116th Match - South Group Prediction

SUR vs ESS Team Previews

Surrey

Somerset got off to a rather poor start in the tournament and just when they were looking down, and out of the competition, a fabulous run in their last six matches has brought them back in contention for the playoffs. They are coming into this match with five wins in their previous six games, and it will be interesting to see how far their momentum takes them.

They are currently placed at the sixth spot at the ladder with 12 points to their name and a net run rate of -0.179. They displayed a splendid performance in both the departments of the game with their bowlers restricting Somerset to a modest total before Aaron Finch wreaked havoc with a sensation hundred. Their win, which came in just 16.3 overs also massively helped their net run rate.

Aaron Finch has been in tremendous form for then, and that hundred from him in the last match would provide a significant boost not just to his confidence, but also to the team's as well. The inclusion of Ollie Pope and Sam Curran helped them balance their squad in the previous match and with the pair likely to be available for the remainder of their games, the Surrey have a pretty good chance to finish among the top four sides, provided the other results go their way.

Essex

Even though the Eagles are still in with the chance to qualify for the next round, the probability is more mathematical than practical. They not only need to win their remaining two matches and hope for the results of the other matches to fall their way; they also need to win their two games with huge margins. They have a pretty poor net run rate of -0.775, which is undoubtedly going to go against them if things get close.

In the tournament up until now, the Eagles have won only three matches primarily due to the inconsistent performances from their middle order. They are coming off a heart-wrenching tie wherein they should have won after being in a position to dictate terms at one stage. Their bowlers gave away 41 runs in the last three overs, allowing Hampshire to tie the match. Barring Simon Harmer, who returned with the exceptional figures of 2 for 23, none of their bowlers was accurate enough at the death, which could be a cause of concern for their management.

Dan Lawrence was brilliant in the earlier part of the tournament and has recovered fully from the injury he sustained while playing against Sussex. Their problem of under-performing middle order could go for a toss if Lawrence manages to resume from where he left. Overall, Essex Eagles are an extremely experienced side, but the lack of flamboyance and the power-hitters have cost them at least a couple of matches in the tournament so far. To overcome high-flying Surrey, they'd need to play out of their skins on Thursday, and they are certainly capable of doing it.