Somerset meets Kent in an important South Group game. The game is important for Kent in terms of qualifying for the Quarters. The game will be played at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

Somerset, who have already qualified for the quarter-finals, meet the Kent Spitfires at their home ground in Taunton. The visitors had won six games in a row before their winning streak ended in the final game against the Sussex Sharks.

A win here in their last league game would mean the Kent Spitfires end up with 16 points and that doesn't guarantee a spot in the Quarters. But a loss would definitely mean the end for the Sam Billings-led team.

This will be a great competition between the two teams that have an in-form batting side. Somerset defended 208 in the last game and previously scored 187 and 172 runs successfully.

The Kent Spitfires, on the other hand, defended 228 points and dropped 185 points before losing in their last game. Daniel Bell-Drummon, Joe Denly and Sam Billings are the key batters for Kent.

Match Preview

On July 2, 2023, Somerset and Kent will face off in this match of Vitality Blast 2023 at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. This concludes the league clash between leaders Somerset and Kent, currently fourth, ahead of the quarter-finals.

With 11 wins from 13 games, Somerset sat comfortably at the top. The brilliance of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Banton at the top of the standings underpinned Somerset's success this season. Both crossed the 400-run mark with impressive punching power, making a significant impact on their wins. In the last five games this season, they had four chances to score and they managed to do it three times. Their average wicket loss per game is 5, which is a decent odd. During the same period, their bowlers averaged 9.2 wickets per game, keeping them at the top of the points table. Therefore, they will try to continue that winning momentum before moving on to the Quarterfinals.

Kent, on the other hand, need to win their last league-stage clash to keep their quarter-finals hopes alive. Given their recent form, in which they have had four wins in their last five games, it's expected they'll struggle hard against the leaders to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Daniel Bell-Drummond's superb performance this season at the helm allowed him to rack up almost 600 runs to see his side across the finish line at crucial stages. Similar to Somerset, Kent has successfully achieved all goals in recent duels. On top of that, her average wicket loss per game over the last five games is just 3.4, reflecting her solid performance with the racquet. Therefore, this team will try to achieve a clear victory.

Pitch Report

The playing pitch will be a good hitting surface. Some big runs have already been made on this ground and another high scoring game is expected.

Weather Report

It will be partly cloudy in Taunton on the match day with a high of 20 degrees Celsius.

Toss Prediction

The team to bat first has won 35 of the 63 games played on this ground so far, but the chasing team has had the upper hand in recent games. Both teams were exceptionally skilled with the batt and were successful in chases. Defending an overall win might not be ideal for the Kent guest.

Match Prediction

Somerset have been in merciless form and will start the game as favourites. However, Kent is not to be taken lightly given the good players at their disposal. Kent is also in great form, having won four of their last five games.

It will be an exciting game in which both teams have the same chances. We will be betting our money for Somerset solely on the form D Bell Drummond showed in the tournament. Also, Somerset have Ben Green who is the leading wicket-taker. The two players give Somerset a slight advantage.

Venue Details

The venue for this game is the Cooper Associates County Ground. The average 1st innings score at this venue is 174 runs, but we reckon that even a 185 run total isn't safe here. If the team bats first, they should aim to break the 200-run mark to have a good chance of winning.

Betting Tips

Games between Somerset and Kent have been very even in recent years. Somerset won the last game but by just 13 runs and the game was stopped by rain. Kent won by 32 runs in 2022 and as the satbet odds will be favorable for Kent we believe they can win the game against Somerset.

Bell-Drummond will have to play the game of his life, while Hogan and Stewart will find it difficult against Somerset batters, but this Kent side have been incredible lately and a dark contender.

Bet on Kent winning.

Probable Playing XI

Somerset

TA Lammonby, Will Smeed, TB Abell(C), BGF Green, SR Dickson, T Banton(wk), T Kohler-Cadmore, C Overton, MJ Henry, Kasey Aldridge, JH Davey.

Kent

Daniel Bell-Drummond, Tawanda Muyeye, Jack Leaning, Alex Blake, Joey Evison, Grant Stewart, GF Linde, Sam Billings(C), Jordan Cox, MG Hogan, MR Quinn.

Top Fantasy Picks Dream11 Prediction

Somerset

Will Smeed is the top runs scorer for Somerset with 404 runs and a batting average of 180. He hit 25 sixes and 42 fours. Tom Banton also has 328 runs with a batting average of 149.

Tom Kohler-Cadmore In his last 10 games, this top-order batter has hit a total of 319 runs. With a respectable 39 average and a remarkable batting average of 173, his performances show his ability to completely change the game for the benefit of his team at any time.

Ben Green was the best bowler for Somerset, bowling in 25 wickets with an average of 14 and a save rate of 8.70.

Kent

Daniel Bell-Drummond is the Kent Spitfires' top runs scorer with 587 runs and a batting average of 149. He has hit 16 sixes and 61 fours. Joe Denly also has 365 runs with a batting average of 149.

Michael Hogan was the Kent Spitfires' top bowler, bowling 21 wickets with an average of 19 and an 8.71 economy rate.

Grant Stewart He has played 12 innings and won 20 wickets with an amazing batting average of 10. In his last game, he picked up three wickets while giving up just 39 runs, which was crucial to their victory.