THE BLAST: The quarter final stage of the Vitality Blast is now in full swing, with Essex already booking their place in next weekend’s Finals Day with a dramatic 2-wicket win over Warwickshire last night at Edgbaston. We preview two of the remaining three games tonight, alongside some of our recommended BETDAQ bets.
Lancashire v Surrey – 18:30
Arguably the most highly-anticipated quarter final fixture sees Sam Curran’s Surrey march up north to Old Trafford to take on Lancashire. Liam Livingstone’s men ended up finishing second in the Northern division after winning seven of their last nine games, culminating with a straightforward 6-wicket win over Northamptonshire on Sunday. Phil Salt in particular seems to be finding some form at the right time – his 74* was the only score from a Lancashire batsmen higher than 17 on the day.
Surrey will be kicking themselves that they were pipped by Hampshire to second place in the Southern division, losing four of their last five fixtures – including an extraordinary defeat to Essex off the last ball of the game. Whilst batting hasn’t been an issue for the one-time Blast winners, they have conceded over 660 runs in their last three matches, so you feel if the likes of Salt, Livingstone and Jos Buttler get stuck into this Surrey attack, the hosts will be able to post a daunting total.
A month ago you’d have probably placed Surrey as favourites for this one, and at 2.06 they certainly offer some value, but given recent form, we like the look of Lancashire here. Despite the likes of Will Jacks firing on all cylinders for the Brown Caps, that experienced Lancashire top and middle order should have enough expertise to see the Manchester side over the line and through to Finals Day. Backing Lancashire at 1.91 is the play.
Somerset v Nottinghamshire – 18:30
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find faults in this brilliant Somerset setup. Five wins on the bounce saw them absolutely walk the Southern division with 12 victories out of 14 – the most out of any sides across the two tables. Whilst the likes of Ben Green and Matt Henry have held their side of the bargain from a bowling perspective, it’s arguably been the joint effort from the top order which has seen them start innings with such authority – that top three of Tom Banton, Will Smeed and Tom Kohler-Cadmore really compliment eachother to outstanding effect.
Nottinghamshire have not been at their brilliant best throughout this year’s Blast but still managed to scrape the final quarter-final place in the Northern division. They owe a good middle period in their group stage campaign for their qualification after starting and ending quite passively. Opener Alex Hales looked in slightly better touch after scoring a quickfire 26 (13) against Leicestershire last week, but he will need to dig deep if he’s to really trouble this well-oiled Somerset side.
Somerset look good value for victory here, and we’d probably make them favourites to win the whole tournament in next weekend’s Finals Day. Nottinghamshire haven’t really been at the races throughout the competition either, so backing Somerset at 1.64 seems very reasonable.
Somerset v Nottinghamshire markets
