NOR vs SOM Match Preview
Northamptonshire Steelbacks are going into this game with a home turf advantage. This might turn out to be a big advantage. They have also won their last three games in the competition's Group stages. They are certain to field their best unit for this knockout game. Many players in the Northants team are more team players than individual performers. However, team management will depend on some crucial players for this game. The South African opening batter, Matthew Breetzke, is one.
The England international David Willey and the Australian all-rounder for all formats, Ashton Agar, will also be the players to watch out for. Matthew Breetzke was the top batter in the Group stage of the competition for Northamptonshire. The Northants are relentlessly trying to get him back in the side for this contest. He is expected to resume duties in this quarterfinal and hopefully further in the competition. He is scheduled to participate in South Africa A vs Sri Lanka A match to be played simultaneously.
The Somerset team has done well in claiming that they are one of the best sides in recent years in all formats. Their long and robust batting order has been a feature of their success. It will not be a surprise if their middle and lower middle order take them to another win and a place in the semis. One of the things playing on their minds will be the thrashing they received in their last Group game in July against Glamorgan. They had to endure an inspired effort from Kiran Carlson at the top of the order.
Despite this crushing defeat, they were already assured of a place in the quarterfinals. But there will not be any room for error against the Steelbacks. You can expect the best available squad playing for Somerset in this contest at the County Ground with a positive frame of mind and put their best foot forward in both their batting and bowling departments. They will miss Riley Meredith's services. The Aussie is called for duties in the T20I series in Scotland. However, they have several internationals, such as Craig Overton, Ben Green, and Jake Ball. The performance of Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Banton will be critical for the team.
Weather Report
We are expecting cloudy weather for this contest in Northampton. The temperature during the game will be close to 15 degrees. The weather conditions are likely to be extremely humid. These conditions are likely to favor the fast bowlers as they can extract lateral movement from the track.
Pitch Report
The County Ground in Northampton is the venue for this game. Surprisingly, the team that bats first in a T20 game wins more games than the team that chases a target. Both skippers will be aware of this, which might influence their usual option of batting second these days.
Notable stats
Somerset leads the recent feedback in the head-to-head.
Somerset leads the recent head-to-head against Northamptonshire 3-2.
Tom Banton has an excellent average in recent games against Somerset.
Tom Banton is scoring runs with an average of 44 in recent T20 games for Somerset.
Team News
Some crucial players will be missing this game, including Ravi Bopara and Riley Meredith, due to unavailability due to international duties and injuries.
NOR vs SOM Probable 11
NOR Playing 11
- Ricardo Vasconcelos
- Matthew Breetzke
- Saif Zaib
- Ravi Bopara
- David Willey (C)
- Ashton Agar
- Lewis McManus (Wk)
- Gus Miller
- Ben Sanderson
- Freddie Heldreich
- Jack White
SOM Playing 11
- Tom Banton (Wk)
- George Thomas
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore
- Tom Abell
- Sean Dickson
- Lewis Gregory (C)
- Archie Vaughan
- Ben Green
- Craig Overton
- Jack Leach
- Jake Ball
Dream11 Prediction
Although Somerset had to endure a loss in their last game, it is unlikely to have done too much damage to their confidence. Northamptonshire players go into this game on the hand on the back of a three-game winning streak. So, a close contest is expected. Somerset is more likely to hold onto its own and win this game to enter the semis.
Top Picks
Matthew Breetzke: This batter has scored 460 runs in his last thirteen innings for Northamptonshire.
David Willey: Willey has picked up fifteen wickets from his last 13 games with an average of 26.00.
Tom Banton: Banton has scored 440 runs in his last thirteen games with an average of 44.00.
Lewis Gregory: Gregory has picked up thirteen wickets from eleven games with an average of 22.69.
NOR vs SOM Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: T Banton
Batters: M Breetzke, T Abell, S Zaib
All-rounders: D Willey (C), B Green (VC), L Gregory, A Agar
Bowlers: C Overton, B Sanderson, R Meredith
