Vitality Blast 2019, Durham vs Birmingham Bears, Surrey vs Somerset: Preview, predictions

Two matches of the 2019 Vitality Blast will be played on the 27th. Durham will host Birmingham Bears at Chester-le-Street, while Surrey will host Somerset at The Oval.

Durham vs Birmingham Bears (Warwickshire), Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street

Durham are in a precarious situation. To qualify, they need to win both their matches, while Worcestershire Rapids and Derbyshire Falcons have to lose theirs – and even after that Durham have to be above them in net run rate. Birmingham Bears, on the other hand, have already been eliminated.

Last season: Durham 220/6 (20) beat Birmingham Bears 202/5 (20) by 18 runs at Edgbaston

Key players: Scott Steel (Durham), Adam Hose (Birmingham Bears)

Prediction: Durham to win

Surrey vs Somerset, The Oval, London

Though they are eighth in South Division, Surrey are merely 4 points behind second- and third-placed Gloucestershire and Kent respectively, and just 3 behind Somerset and Middlesex They do have an outside chance of qualification. A win, on the other hand, will consolidate Somerset’s position.

This season: Surrey 203/4 (20) lost to Somerset 207/2 (18.4) by 8 wickets at Taunton

Key players: Aaron Finch (Surrey), Babar Azam (Somerset)

Prediction: Somerset to win