Vitality T20 Blast 2022, Match Preview: Surrey v Hampshire (Oval)

 

Having lost three of all the three matches played, Hampshire is desperate for the first win, keeping in mind the scope of improvement of the net run rate. Placed last in the points table, they need a clinical performance to have an uphill journey from here. Coming off with a heavy loss against Essex in the previous game, failing to defend a total of 150, they might struggle with the confidence to win against Surrey. With bowlers struggling, Ben McDermott has been the top scorer for them and will be a player to watch.

On the other hand, Surrey has won both the matches played so far and is placed third with four points in the points table. With many match-winners in their team like Sunil Narine and Kieron Pollard, they have fancy chances of moving ahead in the points table. They had a solid start and are coming off defeating Gloucestershire in a low-score affair. They defended a total of 129 by knocking Gloucestershire for 92 to win the match by 37 runs. Will Jacks was the lone fighter in this one scoring 51 off 33, whereas Sam Curran starred in defending such a low total by scalping four wickets. They will look to carry forward the winning momentum.

Pitch Report

In the two matches played here at Kennington Oval, the results have been contrasting enough to conclude what the toss-winning captain would look for. However, in an ideal scenario, he will be tempted to bowl first as the perfect score is challenging to predict.

Will Hampshire be able to turn the tables to win the match and hand Surrey their first loss, or will Surrey continue to dominate with their clinical performances? It will be an exciting contest between the two.