Who Will Win Essex vs Gloucestershire 78th T20 Blast 2025 Prediction – 4th July
The Essex vs Gloucestershire prediction becomes particularly intriguing as both teams face off in a crucial South Group clash in the T20 Blast 2025. The match will be played on Friday, 4th July 2025 at the County Ground, Chelmsford. Essex are still searching for their first win this season, while Gloucestershire have found some rhythm with back-to-back victories. Cricketwebs provides 100% match prediction tips for every cricket match, and this game is no exception.
Essex have struggled to close games despite flashes of brilliance from individuals like Simon Harmer and Dean Elgar. Meanwhile, Gloucestershire clinched a thrilling win against Hampshire thanks to David Payne’s heroics. With only a few group games left, this fixture could determine which team keeps its knockout hopes alive.
Match Details
| Match | Essex vs Gloucestershire, 78th T20 Blast 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 4th July 2025 |
| Time | 11:00 PM IST |
| Venue | County Ground, Chelmsford |
| Broadcast | Fancode |
Team Previews
Essex Preview
Essex have endured a forgettable T20 Blast campaign so far, winless despite having several match-winners in their squad. Their latest defeat came at the hands of Kent, where despite strong knocks from Simon Harmer (55 off 21) and Dean Elgar (50), they fell 47 runs short chasing 220.
Dean Elgar continues to be Essex’s most consistent batter, having scored 230 runs with a healthy strike rate. His experience at the top will be crucial. Jordan Cox has shown promise with 157 runs in just 4 games and will bat at No. 3. Michael Pepper and Paul Walter have added useful runs in the middle but lack consistency.
The bowling unit led by Harmer, Amir, and Snater has failed to defend or contain totals. Amir’s economy of 9.45 and Harmer’s 8.72 are concerning. However, Luc Benkenstein’s 6 wickets at an average of 17 make him a bright spot.
Essex must fire as a unit to avoid finishing at the bottom of the table.
Gloucestershire Preview
Gloucestershire come into this match with renewed confidence. They edged out Hampshire in a thrilling last-ball win, thanks to David Payne, who picked up 3 wickets and smashed a six to win the game.
Batting remains a weak spot. D’Arcy Short has begun to find rhythm, scoring 49 in the last match. Oliver Price, their top run-scorer with 178 runs, has also chipped in with the ball. Cameron Bancroft and Miles Hammond must improve their strike rates, while Jack Taylor and Ben Charlesworth have contributed in flashes.
The strength lies in their bowling. David Payne leads the attack with 11 wickets and is supported by Josh Shaw (4 wickets, economy 6.12), Tom Smith, and possibly Ajeet Singh Dale if he returns. The Gloucestershire fielding unit has also been sharp, as seen with Miles Hammond’s 5 catches in the previous fixture.
They’ll need another solid all-round show to defeat Essex at Chelmsford.
Probable Playing XIs
Essex Predicted Playing XI:
Michael-Kyle Pepper, Dean Elgar, Jordan Cox (wk), Paul Walter, Matthew Critchley, Luc Benkenstein, Charlie Allison, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Mohammad Amir
Gloucestershire Predicted Playing XI:
Miles Hammond, D’Arcy Short, Cameron Bancroft (wk), Oliver Price, Jack Taylor (c), Ben Charlesworth, Graeme van Buuren, Matt Taylor, Josh Shaw, David Payne, Tom Smith
Fantasy Team XI – ESS vs GLO
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Dean Elgar | Batter |
| Jordan Cox | Wicketkeeper |
| D’Arcy Short | Batter |
| Oliver Price | All-rounder |
| Luc Benkenstein | All-rounder |
| Paul Walter | All-rounder |
| Jack Taylor | Batter |
| David Payne | Bowler |
| Josh Shaw | Bowler |
| Simon Harmer | Bowler |
| Mohammad Amir | Bowler |
Captain Pick: David Payne
Vice-Captain Pick: Dean Elgar
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Matthew Critchley – Out of form with bat and ball
- Cameron Bancroft – Poor strike rate and limited impact
Favourite Team Today – Essex (Why?)
Despite being winless, Essex remain a more complete unit on paper. Elgar, Cox, and Walter give their batting more depth, while the experience of Harmer and Amir gives them a superior bowling unit. The home conditions at Chelmsford also offer them an advantage, especially for spinners. If Essex bat first and put up 170+, they’ll be difficult to chase down.
Essex T20 History
- Total Matches: 276
- Wins: 130
- Losses: 119
- No Result: 24
- Tie: 3
Essex won the T20 Blast title in 2019 and have been competitive in several campaigns, but 2025 has seen them underperform significantly.
Gloucestershire T20 History
- Total Matches: 270
- Wins: 116
- Losses: 121
- No Result: 29
- Tie: 4
Gloucestershire have been strong contenders in past years, reaching the final in 2020, but inconsistency often plagues their campaigns.
Head-to-Head – Essex vs Gloucestershire
| Matches | Essex Won | Gloucestershire Won | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 8 | 5 | 7 | 0 |
Essex lead the head-to-head, but recent encounters favor Gloucestershire, who won the last meeting by 5 wickets.
Pitch Report – County Ground, Chelmsford
- Surface: Flat wicket, good for batting
- Average First Innings Score: 170+
- Assists: Spinners in middle overs
- Best Strategy: Bat first and defend
Weather Report – July 4, 2025
- Conditions: Clear skies
- Temperature: 19°C – 22°C
- Rain Chances: 0%
- Humidity: Moderate
Score Prediction
- If Essex Bat First: 170+
- If Gloucestershire Bat First: 142+
Toss Prediction
- Toss Winner: Gloucestershire
- Decision: Bowl First
Match Prediction
Predicted Winner: Essex Will Win
Backed by home advantage and more individual match-winners, Essex are favorites to break their losing streak and register their first win of the season. Expect a close game if Gloucestershire bowl first, but Essex should prevail.
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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