Essex vs Somerset 3rd Place Playoff T20 Match Abu Dhabi Counties Super Cup Prediction, Dream11 Team, Betting Tips, Playing XI, Pitch & Weather Report
The Essex vs Somerset prediction for today’s 3rd Place Playoff at Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, heavily favors Essex, given their dominant form and balanced squad. Somerset, despite their fighting spirit, have struggled with consistency, making Essex the clear favorites. Let’s break down the match details, team previews, and fantasy insights to understand why Essex are likely to clinch this encounter.
Match Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Essex vs Somerset, 3rd Place Playoff |
| Date | Sunday, 16th March 2025 |
| Time | 4:00 PM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi |
| Broadcast | FanCode (Live Streaming) |
Team Previews
Essex (ESS)
Essex have been in stellar form, finishing 3rd in the league stage and securing a convincing 7-wicket win over Warwickshire in their last outing. Their batting lineup, led by Michael Kyle Pepper (69 runs in the tournament) and Jordan Cox (59* in the last match), has been explosive. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Simon Harmer (6 wickets), has been equally impressive. Key strengths:
- Top-order firepower: Pepper, Cox, and Charles Allison (30 off 14 balls) provide quick starts.
- Spin dominance: Harmer and Matt Critchley can stifle Somerset’s middle order.
- All-round depth: Players like Paul Walter add balance with both bat and ball.
Somerset (SOM)
Somerset’s campaign has been underwhelming, finishing 4th and suffering a 6-wicket loss to Nottinghamshire in their previous game. Their batting has been inconsistent, with James Rew (70 runs in the tournament) being the lone bright spot. The bowling, led by Jack Leach (3 wickets), lacks penetration. Key concerns:
- Fragile top order: Over-reliance on Rew and Tom Abell.
- Lack of wicket-taking bowlers: Leach and Craig Overton need support to contain Essex’s batters.
- Middle-order collapse: Somerset were reduced to 56/5 in their last match, highlighting their struggles.
Probable Playing XI
| Essex | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Michael Kyle Pepper | Tom Abell (C) |
| Charles Allison | James Rew (WK) |
| Jordan Cox | Tom Kohler-Cadmore |
| Matt Critchley | Will Smeed |
| Paul Walter | Lewis Gregory |
| Adam Rossington (WK) | Craig Overton |
| Simon Harmer (C) | Jack Leach |
| Shane Snater | Josh Davey |
| Sam Cook | Kasey Aldridge |
| Jamie Porter | Alfie Ogborne |
| Luc Benkenstein | Shoaib Bashir |
Fantasy Team XI/Dream11 Prediction for Today: Essex vs Somerset
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Pepper | Batsman | Essex |
| James Rew | WK-Batsman | Somerset |
| Jordan Cox | Batsman | Essex |
| Tom Abell | All-rounder | Somerset |
| Matt Critchley | All-rounder | Essex |
| Paul Walter | All-rounder | Essex |
| Simon Harmer | Bowler | Essex |
| Jack Leach | Bowler | Somerset |
| Craig Overton | Bowler | Somerset |
| Sam Cook | Bowler | Essex |
| Shane Snater | Bowler | Essex |
Analysis: Essex’s top order (Pepper, Cox) and all-rounders (Critchley, Walter) offer high fantasy potential. Somerset’s James Rew and Tom Abell are differential picks but risky due to inconsistent form.
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
- Captain: Michael Kyle Pepper (Explosive opener, high ceiling).
- Vice-Captain: Simon Harmer (Wicket-taking spinner, economical).
Players to Avoid:
- Will Smeed (Inconsistent form, low fantasy returns).
- Alfie Ogborne (Limited role, inexperienced).
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team
Essex are favorites (86% win probability). Their explosive batting, spin dominance, and all-round depth make them a superior unit compared to Somerset’s inconsistent lineup.
Pitch & Weather Report
- Pitch: Tolerance Oval offers a balanced surface with assistance for spinners as the game progresses.
- Weather: Clear skies, ideal for cricket.
Toss & Match Winner Prediction
- Toss Winner: Somerset (Likely to bowl first).
- Match Winner: Essex (Superior squad depth and form).
Final Verdict: Essex’s balanced attack and batting firepower will overpower Somerset’s inconsistent lineup. Expect a comfortable 20-25 run win for Essex!
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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