Gloucestershire vs Kent – Vitality Blast 2025 Match Preview

Date: Friday, 30 May 2025
Time: 19:00 GMT (23:30 IST)
Venue: County Ground, Bristol
Tournament: Vitality Blast 2025
Match: Gloucestershire vs Kent (Match 3)

Match Overview

The third match of the Vitality Blast 2025 will see Gloucestershire take on Kent at the County Ground, Bristol on Friday, 30 May 2025, starting at 19:00 GMT. The clash promises to be an exciting encounter, especially given the contrasting forms of the two sides in recent fixtures.

Team Form and Recent Performances

Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire are in excellent form, having won their last five matches in a row. Their recent 8-wicket victory over Somerset has put them in a strong position in the tournament. Key performers include Jack Taylor and Cameron Bancroft with the bat, while David Payne and Tom Smith have been consistent with the ball.

Their recent head-to-head record against Kent has been favorable, with Gloucestershire winning four of the last five meetings in T20 format. Their ability to chase down targets and their balanced squad make them a tough opponent at home.

Kent

On the other hand, Kent are in a tricky phase of their campaign. They have won just one of their last five games, and their recent 86-run win over Surrey might not be enough to lift their confidence. Their top-order, led by Zak Crawley and Daniel Bell-Drummond, has shown promise, but the middle and lower order have struggled at times.

Their bowling attack, with Matt Parkinson and Tom Rogers as key wicket-takers, will need to perform better than recent outings to contain a strong Gloucestershire lineup.

Pitch and Conditions

The County Ground, Bristol is known for its balanced pitch, which has yielded an average first-innings score of 155 and a second-innings score of 139. The surface is expected to offer good pace and bounce for fast bowlers, who have taken 62% of the wickets on this ground. Spinners will also find assistance in the latter stages, especially under lights.

With the match starting in the evening, the dew factor could play a role in the final overs, potentially favoring spinners or aggressive death bowlers.

Head-to-Head

The recent history between Gloucestershire and Kent in T20 matches has been closely contested, with Gloucestershire holding the upper hand. In the last five matches, Gloucestershire have won four, including a 3-wicket victory over Kent in their most recent encounter on 16 May 2025.

However, Kent have also managed to secure narrow wins in the past, so this match is unlikely to be a one-sided affair.

Key Players to Watch

Gloucestershire:

• Jack Taylor – The explosive opener who can take the game away from the opposition in the powerplay.
• Cameron Bancroft – A reliable middle-order batsman and useful off-spinner.
• David Payne – The experienced all-rounder who can break partnerships at crucial moments.
• Tom Smith – The leg-spinner who has been effective in the death overs.

Kent:

• Zak Crawley – The opener who brings stability and has the ability to accelerate.
• Daniel Bell-Drummond – A consistent run-scorer with a calm approach.
• Matt Parkinson – The wicketkeeper-batsman who has improved his batting and is a key run-scorer.
• Tom Rogers – A versatile all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.

Probable XIs

Gloucestershire (Probable XI):
Chris Dent, Miles Hammond, James Bracey, Jack Taylor, Cameron Bancroft, Ben Charlesworth, Graeme van Buuren, David Payne, D’Arcy Short, Tom Smith, Matt Taylor

Kent (Probable XI):
Daniel Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, Sam Billings, Jack Leaning, Corey Flintoff, Tom Rogers, Zak Crawley, Grant Stewart, Nathan Gilchrist, Fred Klaassen, Matt Parkinson

Prediction

With Gloucestershire in fine form and Kent struggling for consistency, Gloucestershire are slight favorites in this match. However, Kent's recent victory and the potential for a tight finish at Bristol mean this could be a thrilling encounter.

Predicted Score:
Gloucestershire: 191/7 (20 overs)
Kent: 179/9 (20 overs)
Result: Gloucestershire win by 12 runs

How to Watch

Live Streaming:

• Fancode app/website

Live Score Updates:

• MyFinal11.in

Broadcast on TV:

• No TV broadcast available for this match.

The County Ground, Bristol, sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting T20 clash between two closely-matched sides. With Gloucestershire in top form and Kent needing a win to get back on track, fans can look forward to a high-stakes, high-scoring encounter on 30 May 2025.