Result
Middlesex
Essex
161/10 in 19.5
160/6 in 20.0
Middlesex beat Essex by 1 run
Middlesex beat Essex by 1 run
36%
Middlesex
64%
Essex
Middlesex To Win, 1.80
Kane Williamson's leadership and recent form with the bat offer calm in the chase or while setting a total
Middlesex is in better form: They tied a rain-hit match against Hampshire, while Essex haven’t tasted victory yet this season
Essex's bowling attack has been ineffective, with no bowler consistently threatening in the PowerPlay or death overs
Middlesex
Essex
Middlesex will face Essex in a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash at Lord’s. Middlesex come into this game after a rain-curtailed six-over shootout against Hampshire that ended in a tie. Chasing 63, Kane Williamson (23* off 13) and Max Holden (38 off 18) set the tone early, helping Middlesex finish on 75-1 in their six overs. Their batting showed intent, with three of their top four striking at over 170, and Williamson’s form will be key as the competition progresses. However, their bowling in the PowerPlay remains a concern. Noah Cornwell and Tom Helm were expensive again, while Zafar Gohar was the only bowler to strike, removing James Vince.
Middlesex currently sit seventh with just one win from six games. Their net run rate of -0.590 means every win is vital to revive their faint knockout hopes. Despite the presence of quality overseas names like Williamson and du Plooy, their inability to string consistent bowling performances together has kept them in the bottom half.
Essex, meanwhile, remain winless after six matches, with five losses and one no-result. Their latest outing against Sussex was abandoned due to rain, but not before they posted an impressive 177-4 in 17 overs. Jordan Cox (82 off 47) and Paul Walter (35 off 22) provided the muscle in the middle overs. However, Essex’s bowling has been toothless in most games, and although Shane Snater bowled a fiery spell of 2-8 in the Sussex reply, their overall attack remains underwhelming. With a dreadful NRR of -2.303 and confidence at an all-time low, Essex are desperate to get on the board.
Expect a high-scoring game if the Lord’s surface plays true. Both teams have explosive top orders, but their leaky bowling units could be exposed again.
Middlesex are slight favourites due to superior batting form and home advantage.
Bet on Middlesex to win.
Dhruv Gupta is a seasoned cricket analyst passionate about numbers and patterns. He brings a data-driven approach to his cricket predictions.
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