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Match 34 of the Vitality T20 Blast 2025 sees a crucial clash between Essex Eagles and Middlesex at County Ground, Chelmsford , on Sunday afternoon. Both teams are struggling in their respective campaigns — Essex sit at the bottom of the South Group with just two wins from five matches, while Middlesex have lost all four completed games so far .
With pressure mounting on both squads to turn things around, this match could go either way depending on which team can put together a more complete performance. The venue is known for high-scoring contests, making it an ideal stage for batsmen to shine under pressure.
Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Essex Eagles vs Middlesex |
| Date | 8th June 2025 |
| Venue | County Ground, Chelmsford |
| Time | 23:00 IST |
| Competition | Vitality T20 Blast 2025 – South Group |
Team Previews
Essex Eagles Preview
Essex Eagles have endured a tough start to their T20 Blast 2025 campaign, losing three consecutive matches and sitting at the bottom of the South Group table. Their batting has been inconsistent, and their bowling hasn’t provided enough control or breakthroughs to win matches.
The only consistent performer so far has been Michael Pepper , who has scored 118 runs across three innings at a strike rate of 157.33 , including two half-centuries. He offers the kind of firepower that can change the game quickly. Dean Elgar and Matthew Critchley have contributed here and there, but not consistently enough.
In the bowling department, Paul Walter has been the standout pacer with 4 wickets in 2 innings , though his economy remains a concern. Simon Harmer and Mohammad Amir , despite being experienced, haven’t clicked yet in this tournament.
Essex will need strong performances from multiple players if they are to climb up the points table and regain confidence.
Middlesex Preview
Middlesex are also off to a rocky start, having lost both of their completed matches and relying on one abandoned game for their only points. They sit in seventh place in the group with a poor net run rate (-1.546 ) adding to the woes.
However, there are positives to build upon. Ryan Higgins has impressed with the bat, scoring 65 runs in two innings at a blistering strike rate of 232 , providing much-needed impetus in the lower order. Ben Geddes has also chipped in with useful contributions in the middle overs.
Their bowling looks slightly stronger than Essex’s, led by Tom Helm , who has taken 6 wickets in 3 innings with decent control. Zafar Gohar and Luke Hollman offer variety and have picked up vital wickets in tight situations.
Captain Stephen Eskinazi and Kane Williamson , despite their experience, have yet to fire consistently with the bat. A big knock from either could be the spark Middlesex desperately need.
If Middlesex can tighten their fielding and get some early momentum, they might finally break their losing streak.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Favourite Team | Reason (100 words) |
|---|---|
| Middlesex | Better balance in bowling; Tom Helm in form, Zafar Gohar and Luke Hollman contributing. Batsmen like Ryan Higgins offer late-innings fireworks. Essex have struggled across departments and lack consistency. Head-to-head record favors Middlesex, even if slim. With better all-round depth and recent signs of improvement, Middlesex look slightly more capable of turning things around in this must-win encounter. |
Fantasy Team XI (with Explanation)
| Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Higgins | Batter / All-rounder | Middlesex | Explosive finisher; scored quick runs at great strike rate. |
| Michael Pepper (vc) | Batter / Vice-Captain | Essex | Top scorer for Essex; aggressive style and excellent SR. |
| Tom Helm (c) | Bowler / Captain | Middlesex | Leading wicket-taker; economical and effective in crunch moments. |
| Paul Walter | Bowler | Essex | Most impactful bowler for Essex; takes early wickets and maintains control. |
| Ben Geddes | Batter | Middlesex | Dependable middle-order batter; rotates strike well. |
| Matthew Critchley | Batter | Essex | Smart finisher; contributes in death overs and controls run flow. |
| Simon Harmer | Bowler / Captain | Essex | Experienced spinner; provides control and wicket-taking ability. |
| Zafar Gohar | Bowler | Middlesex | Valuable in middle overs; picks up key wickets and keeps it tight. |
| Shane Snater | Bowler | Essex | Fast bowler; effective in powerplay and death overs. |
| Leus du Plooy | Batter | Middlesex | Anchor in middle order; builds partnerships and rotates strike. |
| Samuel Cook | Bowler | Essex | Skilled seamer; offers early breakthroughs and tight spells. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : Tom Helm (MID) – In-form pacer; likely to take early wickets.
- Vice-Captain : Michael Pepper (ESS) – Aggressive opener; high fantasy value.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Jack Davies (MID) – No runs in previous match; minimal impact recently.
- Mohammad Amir (ESS) – Struggling with rhythm and control; expensive economy.
Squads
Essex Eagles Squad
- Simon Harmer (c)
- Adam Rossington (wk)
- Dean Elgar
- Michael-Kyle Pepper
- Charlie Allison
- Paul Walter
- Matthew Critchley
- Luc Benkenstein
- Shane Snater
- Mohammad Amir
- Samuel James Cook
Middlesex Squad
- Stephen Eskinazi (c)
- Kane Williamson
- Ben Geddes
- Leus du Plooy
- Jack Davies (wk)
- Ryan Higgins
- Luke Hollman
- Zafar Gohar
- Tom Helm
- Joshua Little
- Noah Cornwell
Probable Playing XI
| Essex Eagles | Middlesex |
|---|---|
| Adam Rossington (wk) | Stephen Eskinazi (c) |
| Dean Elgar | Kane Williamson |
| Michael Pepper | Ben Geddes |
| Charlie Allison | Leus du Plooy |
| Paul Walter | Jack Davies (wk) |
| Matthew Critchley | Ryan Higgins |
| Luc Benkenstein | Luke Hollman |
| Simon Harmer (c) | Zafar Gohar |
| Shane Snater | Tom Helm |
| Mohammad Amir | Joshua Little |
| Samuel Cook | Noah Cornwell |
Pitch Report
- Venue : County Ground, Chelmsford
- Average First Innings Score : ~178
- Highest Score : 216/3
- Nature of Pitch : Batting-friendly surface; short boundaries and flat pitch aid strokeplay. Spinners find it tough unless they mix pace and lengths.
- Expected Target : 170–180 should be competitive.
- Fielding Advantage : Chasing side benefits from dew and easier visibility later in the evening.
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome : Even chance for either side to win the toss.
- Decision : Bowl first. Chasing is generally preferred at Chelmsford due to dew and slower outfield in the second innings.
Winner Prediction
Middlesex are our predicted winners of this match. Despite their own struggles, they appear slightly more balanced than Essex, especially in the bowling unit. Tom Helm and Zafar Gohar offer greater control and wicket-taking potential compared to Essex’s current lineup.
Essex, on the other hand, have failed to deliver collectively in batting, bowling, or fielding. If they don’t show significant improvement soon, their campaign could spiral out of control.
Back Middlesex to secure a much-needed victory in this must-win clash.
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