Sussex vs Kent – T20 Match Preview (09 July 2025)

Venue: Hove (Sussex's home ground)
Time: 19:00 GMT
Competition: South Group – T20

Match Overview

The highly anticipated T20 clash between Sussex and Kent is set to take place on 09 July 2025, with the home side, Sussex, looking to continue their form at Hove. This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two historic rivals in the South Group, with both sides vying for a crucial win in the league stage.

Prediction Runs:

• Sussex predicted total: 206
• Kent predicted total: 160
• Average total score (recent matches): 370.9

Head-to-Head Analysis

The historical rivalry between Sussex and Kent has been a closely contested affair, with both sides enjoying success at different points. In the last 10 meetings, the win margin has been razor-thin, with most matches decided in the final overs or via the D/L method. Notably:

• Sussex has won 6 of the last 10 clashes, including a dominant 8-wicket win in 2020 and a 4-wicket victory in 2021.
• Kent, however, has also had their moments, including an innings-and-25-run win in 2020 and a 5-wicket win in 2017.

The recent encounter on 30 June 2023 saw Sussex win by 11 runs via the D/L method, giving them the psychological edge ahead of this match.

Team Form

Sussex

Sussex have played six matches leading up to this fixture, with mixed results:

• Win: 2
• Loss: 4
• Notable Performance: A narrow 7-wicket loss to Somerset on 06 June 2025 highlights their inconsistency at times.

They have been at home for five of their six games, and Hove has been a favorable venue for them, with a strong batting track record.

Kent

Kent’s recent form has also been up and down:

• Win: 2
• Loss: 4
• Notable Performance: Kent secured an 8-wicket win against Hampshire on 08 June 2025, showing glimpses of their potential.

However, their away record has been mixed, with a loss to Gloucestershire and Surrey, which could affect their performance at Hove.

Key Players to Watch

• Sussex:

  • Liam Livingstone – The explosive all-rounder will be crucial for Sussex's middle order and with the ball.
  • Harry Finch – A reliable opener and consistent run-scorer, Finch can anchor the innings.

• Kent:

  • Sam Billings – A match-winner with both bat and ball, Billings is the heartbeat of Kent's T20 side.
  • Fawad Ahmed – The leg-spinner has been a consistent wicket-taker and can disrupt the flow of the Sussex innings.

Weather & Pitch Conditions

As of the latest update, the weather in Hove is expected to be dry and sunny, with ideal batting conditions. The pitch at Hove has a reputation for being flat and true, which favors aggressive batting and spin.

Prediction & Tactical Outlook

Given the home advantage and the recent form, Sussex are slight favorites for this match. Their ability to chase down targets and their strong batting lineup on a good surface could prove decisive.

However, Kent’s firepower and aggressive batting style should not be underestimated, especially with key players like Sam Billings in form.

The battle between the spinners and the openers will be a crucial deciding factor.

Final Verdict

Prediction: Sussex by 7-8 runs

This match is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with the total likely to exceed 200. The toss could be pivotal – a win for the team batting second could yield the result, while a strong batting display could tilt the match in the home side's favor.

Catch the action live!
Match starts at 19:00 GMT on 09 July 2025.
Venue: Hove
Competition: T20 South Group

Stay tuned for the latest updates and in-depth match analysis.
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