The final day of group matches in the Royal London One Day Cup sees Group B come to a conclusion on Wednesday as the quarter final line up is finalised.
The table is very congested in this group, so much so that only two of the four quarter final spots from the section have been confirmed going into the final round of games so that should lead to some exciting cricket.
All four matches on the final day begin at 2pm so the lights will come into effect in all the matches to add to the drama. Matches will be played at Manchester, Nottingham, Hove and Birmingham in a frenetic final day.
Nottinghamshire are one of the sides through to the knockout stages and they host Hampshire at Trent Bridge. For the home side it is all about topping the group while Hampshire need to win to secure a quarter final spot. If they lose they will be relying on other results to qualify. Nottinghamshire are probably worthy favourites but it wouldn’t be the first time Hampshire have been there and won in what is effectively a knockout match for them so I’ll leave that be.
Sussex host Essex in what is pretty much a nothing rubber at Hove. Essex have qualified for the knockout stages but will secure home advantage with a win although they could do that with a loss if other results go their way. Sussex have been out for a while and are playing out time. You’ve got to think Essex will win that match but the days they were reliable at odds on are well behind us.
Lancashire go into their final match against Glamorgan at Old Trafford knowing they have to win to have any chance of the quarter finals. They beat Hampshire on Monday to keep their hopes alive but even a win here might not be enough for them. Glamorgan have sacked this competition off with all their points deductions and who can blame them for that but Lancashire aren’t always the best under pressure. You would think they will still win and you could make a case for doubling them up with Essex but it is too risky for me.
The game with everything on the line is the one at Edgbaston where Warwickshire host Kent. It is a must win match for both sides and while Kent know they will be through with a win Warwickshire will need a result to go their way elsewhere to ensure they go through should they win. It is effectively knockout cricket which is how this competition should be really.
Warwickshire eased past Sussex on Monday to keep themselves in the mix but they almost made a mess of it which would be a concern. Kent were incredibly impressive in beating Nottinghamshire on Monday particularly so soon after their gut wrenching exit in the T20 on Saturday.
These two met in the semi-final of this tournament last year when Warwickshire won easily but I’m not as convinced by their batting this season and Kent do have an attack to cause that batting line up trouble. Matt Coles comes in here off the back of a hat-trick on Monday and James Tredwell is still one of the best limited overs bowlers in the country. Kent’s batting is there for all to see. If Rob Key can’t get in or isn’t missed you know the line up is good and at the prices I’ll side with Kent to keep their season alive with a win here.
Back Kent to beat Warwickshire for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with BetVictor
