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THE FACTS
Where can I get tickets for the T20 Blast? Visit this link for the latest ticket information for the T20 Blast
What channel is the T20 Blast on in the UK? Sky Sports have the rights to show the T20 Blast so it is worth checking their schedule here
Where can I stream the T20 Blast in the UK? Matches that are televised on Sky Sports can be streamed live on Sky Go. If not televised on Sky, this match can be streamed live on the official websites and YouTube channels of each competing team
THE FIXTURES
Below is a list of the day’s fixtures:
North Group
Birmingham Bears vs Notts Outlaws - 18:30 BST
South Group
Hampshire Hawks vs Sussex Sharks - 19:00 BST
BIRMINGHAM BEARS VS NOTTS OUTLAWS
THE LOWDOWN
BIRMINGHAM BEARS
Birmingham Bears return to Edgbaston this weekend as they take on their second opponents from the East Midlands in the space of two days, with Notts Outlaws the visitors. Captain Moeen Ali is all set to make his return to his home ground in what will no doubt be a special occasion for him. It helps that the Bears have started the season excellently and are already in a super position not only terms of knockout qualification, but also in regards to securing a top two place in the North Group and thus a home quarter-final.
NOTTS OUTLAWS
Notts Outlaws will need their top stars to be at their very best if they are to overcome Birmingham Bears. Alex Hales and Joe Clarke at the top of the order have the capability to blast their team off to a good start with the bat, whilst Shaheen Shah Afridi can easily rip apart a top order in the powerplay with his searing pace. But they’ve suffered from inconsistent results across the tournament so far and the onus is on them to make a statement here with a positive result.
THE PREDICTION
As dangerous a side as Notts Outlaws are, they face a team here high on confidence, who boast a 100% record so far in the T20 Blast at Edgbaston this season. One of those victories came against a very strong opponent in Lancashire Lightning and Moeen Ali offers them even more quality in terms of batting, bowling and leadership in the field. Therefore, back the hosts to come out on top.
TIP: BIRMINGHAM BEARS TO WIN
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS VS SUSSEX SHARKS
THE LOWDOWN
HAMPSHIRE HAWKS
Less than 24 hours after their encounter with Essex Eagles at Chelmsford, Hampshire Hawks are straight back in action, hosting local rivals Sussex in the South Coast derby. The Ageas Bowl has proven the playground of James Vince so far this campaign, the Hampshire captain has yet to be dismissed on the Hawks’ ground so far in the 2023 T20 Blast. With consecutive scores of 88 not out, he will be the big scalp for the opponents.
SUSSEX SHARKS
Head coach Paul Farbrace didn’t mince his words following his side’s 25 run defeat at the hands of Essex Eagles this past Thursday night. Sussex Sharks were bowled out for 138 chasing 164 to win, their first four wickets falling for just 15 runs as Essex spin-bowler Simon Harmer broke the back of the Sussex top order with a hat-trick. Safe to say that considerable improvement will be needed this time round. But the Sharks will again be without opener Ali Orr, who suffered a knee injury whilst fielding against Surrey last weekend.
THE PREDICTION
Always an exciting encounter, both teams would love to get one over on their biggest rivals and secure a vital two points in the process. Whilst Sussex Sharks have already gained one statement victory on the road, it came at a heavy price having lost Ali Orr through injury. His big hitting at the top of the order is a huge miss for the Sharks and Hampshire Hawks boast a ruthless enough bowling attack to capitalise, especially on their own ground. With that in mind, back a home victory in this one.
TIP: HAMPSHIRE HAWKS TO WIN
