The 97th match of the Vitality Blast 2025 between Middlesex and Gloucestershire promises to be a thrilling and closely contested encounter. Both teams are hoping to recover from previous losses at the Merchant Taylors School Cricket Ground in Northwood on July 11. Despite their recent success, Gloucestershire lost to Surrey in their most recent game. Middlesex, however, has lost four of their last five games due to their lack of consistency. Fans should anticipate an intense Twenty20 match since this match is vital for both teams.
Middlesex enters this match after a narrow defeat against Hampshire. Despite posting a competitive total of 187/8, their bowlers couldn't contain the opposition, who chased down the target in 19.4 overs with 3 wickets in hand. Gloucestershire also faced a loss in their previous match against Surrey. Chasing a daunting 194, they could only manage 165/9 in their 20 overs. However, Gloucestershire's overall recent form (LWWWW) is far better than Middlesex's (LLLWD), which gives them a psychological advantage ahead of this fixture.
Stephen Eskinazi will be a key player for Middlesex. With 2,925 runs in 92 innings at an average of 34.41 and a strike rate of 141.30, he's their most reliable batter. He is a game-changer because of his ability to accelerate in the last overs. On the bowling front, David Payne of Gloucestershire is expected to make an impact. With 207 wickets in 152 matches and an economy rate of 7.80, his knack for taking early wickets and restricting runs will be vital.
There is no danger of rain in the clear weather forecast for Northwood on match day. The pitch at Merchant Taylors School Cricket Ground generally offers good bounce and carry for batters early on, while spinners may come into play during the middle overs. A high-scoring match is likely if the surface remains true throughout the game.
Gloucestershire and Middlesex have played hotly contested games in the past. Middlesex prevailed in the most recent head-to-head match. However, Gloucestershire has shown better form in recent weeks. Their only recent defeat before the loss to Surrey came against Middlesex, making this encounter even more intense. With Gloucestershire looking to settle scores and Middlesex hoping to regain momentum, the rivalry is set to heat up again.
Considering recent performances, Gloucestershire has the upper hand due to their winning momentum and stronger bowling unit. However, Middlesex's familiarity with home conditions and Eskinazi's form could tilt the balance.
Gloucestershire has a minor advantage due to their overall team balance, especially in bowling. To be competitive, Middlesex will require early innovations and a significant blow from Eskinazi.
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first and post a big score, given the pitch's batting-friendly nature.
Middlesex: 176/8 (in 20 overs)
Key contributor: If S. Eskinazi settles early, he will score more than 40 runs.
Gloucestershire: 185/6 (in 20 overs)
Key contributor: D. Payne likely to restrict runs and pick 2 wickets; their top order may build a strong platform.
Who win today match t20? Gloucestershire to win by a narrow margin of 10–15 runs or 3–4 wickets.
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
12972 |
2 |
![]() |
12472 |
3 |
![]() |
9999 |
4 |
![]() |
9282 |
5 |
![]() |
9276 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
16056 |
2 |
![]() |
13537 |
3 |
![]() |
12255 |
4 |
![]() |
11832 |
5 |
![]() |
10448 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
242 |
2 |
![]() |
222 |
3 |
![]() |
221 |
4 |
![]() |
207 |
5 |
![]() |
195 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
12 |
2 |
![]() |
8 |
3 |
![]() |
8 |
4 |
![]() |
6 |
5 |
![]() |
6 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
13906 |
2 |
![]() |
10866 |
3 |
![]() |
10480 |
4 |
![]() |
9577 |
5 |
![]() |
8607 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
9373 |
2 |
![]() |
8973 |
3 |
![]() |
7936 |
4 |
![]() |
7448 |
5 |
![]() |
7214 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
242 |
2 |
![]() |
221 |
3 |
![]() |
206 |
4 |
![]() |
176 |
5 |
![]() |
152 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
50 |
2 |
![]() |
19 |
3 |
![]() |
18 |
4 |
![]() |
15 |
5 |
![]() |
11 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
4231 |
2 |
![]() |
4223 |
3 |
![]() |
4188 |
4 |
![]() |
3911 |
5 |
![]() |
3777 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
3671 |
2 |
![]() |
3301 |
3 |
![]() |
3237 |
4 |
![]() |
3144 |
5 |
![]() |
2854 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
84 |
2 |
![]() |
82 |
3 |
![]() |
75 |
4 |
![]() |
74 |
5 |
![]() |
73 |
Rank | Player | Runs |
---|---|---|
1 |
![]() |
20 |
2 |
![]() |
17 |
3 |
![]() |
16 |
4 |
![]() |
15 |
5 |
![]() |
14 |