Vitality T20 Blast 2019: South Group, Hampshire vs Somerset: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Somerset bounced back with a much needed big win over Essex as they clinched a 114-run win at the County Ground in Chelmsford. Despite two of the leading run-getters in their side, Somerset managed to win only three games. After the win in the first game, they struck on a 3-match losing streak. They will now face Hampshire in Southampton as they look to continue their winning momentum.

Hampshire are in a similar position as Somerset as they also won only three out of seven matches. The team led by James Vince won three consecutive matches before losing to Kent in their previous game. Hampshire got only 135 during the game played in Beckenham. The bowlers put their best to defend the low score but Adam Milne sealed a win for the host with 4-ball 12 in the final over.

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Hampshire and Somerset at the Rose Bowl, Ageas Oval in Southampton.

The match starts at 7:00 PM local time (11:30 PM IST) (6:00 PM GMT).

This game will be streamed live on Hampshire County Cricket’s YouTube channel.

Weather Condition/Report:

It will be a miracle to get a full game in Southampton on Friday. There is a 50% chance of rain falling between 4 PM and 10 PM. A washout is very much on cards unless rain gods decide to stay away for a while.

Pitch Condition/Report:

It has been quite a while when a team has crossed 150 in a T20 match at the Rose Bowl. The highest team score in last five T20s at this venue is only 145. The pitch might be same as the venue has witnessed low scoring game ever since the start of the World Cup.

Average first innings score: 137 (Last 5 T20 Blast matches)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 3, Lost – 2

Probable Playing XIs:

Hampshire:

Aneurin Donald, Rilee Rossouw, James Vince (C), Sam Northeast, Liam Dawson, Chris Morris, James Fuller, Lewis McManus (WK), Kyle Abbott, Brad Taylor, Chris Wood.

Bench: Tom Alsop, Ryan Stevenson, Ian Holland.

Somerset:

Babar Azam, Tom Banton, Tom Abell (C), James Hildreth, Eddie Byrom, Tom Lammonby, Roelof van der Merwe, Jerome Taylor, Max Waller, Craig Overton, Tim Groenewald.

Bench: George Bartlett, Ollie Sale, Jamie Overton.

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there is an update)

Top Picks:

While the Somerset openers Babar Azam and Tom Banton continue to be important in fantasy cricket given their consistency in the tournament, Eddie Byrom has become crucial with his hitting in the middle-order. The Zimbabwe-born has produced two quick-fire knocks in three matches he played and both resulted in wins.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Liam Dawson, Tom Banton, Babar Azam, James Vince

Vice-captain – Chris Morris, Roelof van der Merwe, Rilee Rossouw, Craig Overton

The spin all-rounders Roelof van der Merwe and Liam Dawson are expected to be top performers given the favourable conditions at the Rose Bowl and their recent form.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Banton (C)

Batsmen – Babar Azam, James Vince (VC), Eddie Byrom

All-Rounders – Roelof van der Merwe, Liam Dawson, Chris Morris

Bowlers – Craig Overton, Max Waller, Chris Wood, Kyle Abbott

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Tom Banton, Lewis McManus

Batsmen – Babar Azam (VC), Tom Abell, Rilee Rossouw

All-Rounders – Liam Dawson (C), Chris Morris, Roelof van der Merwe

Bowlers – Chris Wood, Craig Overton, Jerome Taylor

Expert Advice:

Roelof van der Merwe, Liam Dawson and Chris Morris are a must for this game. On a slow track in Southampton, Roelof and Dawson could earn a lot of points. Morris has been consistent irrespective of the pitch Hampshire have played.

Probable Winners:

Somerset are expected to cruise unless the quality of Hampshire strikes big.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.