There is one match in the NatWest T20 Blast on Wednesday night which is dubbed as ‘ElCoastico’ as Sussex take on Hampshire in a South Group clash between two sides who will harbour big hopes of winning this competition.
Both sides have played one match in the competition. Sussex were well beaten by a rampant Glamorgan side while Hampshire were far too good for the same opponent. They will go top of the table if they win this match.
Sussex
The Sharks were outdone by a brilliant innings from Colin Ingram in their first match and while they couldn’t chase down the target that was set for them they will be pleased that Luke Wright showed his credentials with the bat. If they can keep things under control with the ball then there is a big run in them this year.
Wright is a confidence player and generally when he starts a tournament well he maintains his form. Sussex have a really bowling attack and they shouldn’t be too disheartened by Ingram’s heroics against them. He is a special batsman who sides don’t come up against every day of the week. This attack will dominate most sides.
Hampshire
Hampshire managed to get Ingram out early when they took on Glamorgan and were always in command as a result. They will now look to build on that before they return to the Ageas Bowl to get stuck in on their home ground. Hampshire’s pedigree in this tournament is a good one and they have the squad to go far this year.
Hampshire’s top order lacked the big score they are famed for against Glamorgan but their lower order bailed them out. If they can start putting up the runs at the top of the innings then this is a side who should go close to winning the tournament especially with the options they have with the ball.
Team News
Sussex will be without Tymal Mills for this match. He is still recovering from an injury so is not ready for this one. Ross Taylor skippers the side.
Hampshire will be without Liam Dawson who is away on England duty. George Bailey and Shahid Afridi will be the overseas players with Rilee Rossouw and Kyle Abbott kolpak players.
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Betting
I’m going with two bets in this match but I’m avoiding the match outcome. I think the prices are about right. I wouldn’t want to take this Sussex side on but at the same time I’m not convinced I want to be opposing Hampshire so we should get a good match which truly is 50/50.
I’m expecting a high scoring contest here. Tuesday was the first day we have had rain in the south of the country for ages so I don’t expect a bad wicket here and while it lashed down the outfield should have been able to take the rain, in fact it probably needed it to stay in one piece. Therefore I’m expecting the boundaries to flow. Hampshire had Afridi batting eight in their last match while Sussex had Wiese down at nine. With so much batting on show I’m expecting the boundaries to flow on this relatively small ground. Over 40.5 boundaries looks a winner to me.
In terms of a top batsman Sean Ervine is the man I like in this one. He is a really good one day player who has been in excellent form this season. I think he matches up well to the Sussex attack. He’s a good player of seam and both Briggs and Beer will be turning the ball into his pads which is perfect. At 8/1 he looks worthy of support.
Tips
WON – Back Over 40.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
Back it here:
Back S.Ervine Top Hampshire Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 with Betbright
Back him here:
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