Somerset vs Surrey T20 Blast Match Preview | Somerset look to continue grand run as they face Surrey

Surrey, winners of the inaugural T20 Blast in 2003, are still chasing a second title. They enjoyed a dominant group stage in 2024, finishing atop the South Group with nine wins. However, their campaign came to an end in the semi-finals—ironically at the hands of Somerset. After posting 153 for 9 while batting first, with Dom Sibley top-scoring with 48, Surrey were outplayed in the chase. A match-winning 144-run stand between James Rew (62*) and Sean Dickson (78) powered Somerset to a comfortable victory, ending Surrey’s hopes yet again.

Form Guide

Somerset: W L W L W

Surrey: L W L W W 

Somerset vs Surrey head to head

Surrey holds the overall advantage in head-to-head encounters, registering 14 wins in 27 matches against Somerset. However, recent form favours Somerset, who have dominated the rivalry in the last five meetings with a 4-1 record. 

Pitch and Conditions

The Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton, Somerset, is renowned for its balanced pitch that offers opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers. A slight 20% chance of rain is predicted at Taunton on the day of the clash, and light rain could disrupt the game. The temperature is expected to reach 21 degrees Celsius.

Team News: 

Somerset’s batting unit is likely to be anchored at the top by Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Will Smeed. Kohler-Cadmore was a consistent performer last season, amassing 386 runs at a strike rate of 140, and leading the team in sixes with 23. Smeed, known for his explosive style, struck at a remarkable 175.67 while contributing 275 runs. Tom Abell, another dependable presence, is expected to slot in at No. 3 after scoring 352 runs at a strike rate of 139 last season.

The middle order is bolstered by seasoned campaigners such as Lewis Gregory, Sean Dickson, and possibly Tom Banton, who is set to make his return and may take the place of James Rew. Gregory continues to be a key all-round asset, having scored 216 runs and taken 19 wickets last season. His vital half-century in the 2024 final underlined his ability to deliver under pressure.

On the bowling front, Craig Overton is expected to spearhead the pace attack, supported by Josh Davey and Matt Henry. Overton claimed 9 wickets in 12 appearances last season, while Davey picked up 8 in 7 games. Henry, who played a crucial role in Somerset’s 2023 championship run with 31 wickets, re-joins the squad to add experience and firepower. The addition of Riley Meredith further strengthens the pace unit, with Migael Pretorius and Jack Leach likely rounding out the playing XI.

Surrey will be eager to kick off their 2025 T20 Blast campaign on a positive note after a disappointing finish last season. The opening duties are expected to fall to Dan Lawrence and Dom Sibley. Lawrence endured a tough 2024, managing just 125 runs at an average of 12.5, while Sibley fared better with 269 runs at a strike rate of 134. England star Ollie Pope is likely to occupy the No. 3 slot, having added 224 runs to the tally last season. The return of Jason Roy brings explosive potential to the top order, adding further firepower. In the middle order, wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith stands out, boasting a blistering strike rate of 203 with 285 runs in eight innings. Laurie Evans brings additional experience, while skipper Sam Curran will look to make an all-round impact. Curran played just five matches last season but left his mark with 237 runs, including a century. Tom Curran, the team’s leading wicket-taker from last year with 19 scalps at an average of 13.68, will again be central to their bowling attack. He also contributed with the bat, scoring 140 runs at a strike rate of 157. Pace duties will be shared with Daniel Worrall and James Clark—the latter having impressed with 11 wickets at an average of 19. The spin department is bolstered by the presence of Mitchell Santner, fresh off IPL duty, known for his economical spells with an economy rate under 8.

Somerset Probable XI: Tom Banton, Lewis Gregory, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Will Smeed, Sean Dickson, Tom Abell, Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Matt Henry, Migael Pretorius, Jack Leach.

Surrey Probable XI: Sam Curran, Jamie Smith, Tom Curran, Dom Sibley, Jason Roy, Ollie Pope, Laurie Evans, Daniel Worrall, James Clark, Mitchell Santner, Dan Lawrence.