The NatWest T20 Blast is back on our screens on Thursday with a South Group clash between Surrey and Glamorgan at The Oval. Surrey kicked off their campaign with a nervy win over Essex last week while Glamorgan play their opening match of the tournament here.
Surrey
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Surrey in their win last week. They managed a par total thanks to some late lower order hitting but in fairness their top three did look in very good nick until they surprisingly got themselves out. The likes of Jason Roy and Kumar Sangakkara will be looking to go big here.
It has been a different story for Surrey in the Championship where they have been quite poor this season so all involved at The Oval will be hoping the shorter format of the game can bring about their best form once again.
Glamorgan
The Welsh county were quarter finalists in this tournament two years ago but they couldn’t follow that up last season so they have all the motivation they need to get off to a fast start this season starting with this match.
Dale Steyn is to come into the ranks at the end of the week which will be a real boost to their chances as well so there are reasons to be optimistic although Glamorgan will need to find some confidence from somewhere as their four day form has been average.
Team news
Surrey will have Zafar Ansari back from injury for this match. He replaces Rory Burns who has been ruled out under the concussion protocol after taking a nasty blow to the head in the Championship game during the week. Dwayne Bravo and Aaron Finch are still away at the IPL.
Glamorgan have Colin Ingram back for this match. He has been out with a knee injury since the beginning of the season so that will be a major boost but Dale Steyn is still with his IPL franchise so will miss this match.
Betting
Surrey are all the rage for this match and on reputation and player lists you would probably suggest that is justified but Glamorgan don’t seem to fear Surrey in London. The two sides have met in three completed matches at The Oval and the Welsh outfit have won all three games including last season when they blasted their way to a massive 240 here.
Surrey look a little bit too short to me. They appear to have the star names and of course in Kumar Sangakkara they have the biggest of them all but Jacques Rudolph, Colin Ingram, Michael Hogan, Timm van der Gugten and Dean Cosker are all quality cricketers at this level so Glamorgan look overpriced to me.
Given Glamorgan have a decent record on this ground and they arrive with nothing to lose and a fresh mindset I think they are the value in this one.
Tips
WON – Back Glamorgan to beat Surrey for a 3/10 stake at 2.90 with Boylesports
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