Somerset vs Gloucestershire Match Preview – T20 Blast 2025

Date: 18th July 2025
Time: 18:30 GMT / 11:00 PM IST
Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton
Format: T20 Blast – South Group
Match: 125th Match of the 2025 Season

Match Overview

Somerset and Gloucestershire are set to clash in a highly anticipated T20 Blast encounter at the Cooper Associates County Ground in Taunton. The match, which will be a pivotal fixture in the South Group, promises to deliver high-octane action as both teams look to strengthen their positions in the standings.

Somerset, the home side, will be eager to bounce back after a heavy 67-run defeat to Surrey in their last match. Gloucestershire, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on their recent momentum, having narrowly missed out on victory in a last-ball thriller against Sussex.

Team Form & Key Insights

Somerset

• Last Match Performance: Somerset were comprehensively outplayed by Surrey, with the bowlers struggling to contain the opposition’s aggressive batting. Spinners Jack Leach and Lewis Goldsworthy were the standout performers, but the rest of the attack faltered under pressure.
• Home Advantage: Somerset have a strong record at home, having won 10 of the last 18 matches against Gloucestershire at the Cooper Associates County Ground.
• Key Players to Watch:
  • Will Smeed – The opener is in fine form and will be crucial for setting the tone in the powerplay.
  • Jack Leach – The leg-spinner will be key in containing the middle-order.
  • Riley Barnes – The all-rounder's ability to contribute with both bat and ball could be a game-changer.

Gloucestershire

• Last Match Performance: Despite a valiant effort, Gloucestershire fell just short in a tight encounter against Sussex. Their middle-order, however, showed promise, and they will look to capitalize on that in this match.
• Away Record: Gloucestershire have had mixed results on the road, but their ability to adapt to different conditions could give them an edge.
• Key Players to Watch:
  • Tom Smith – A reliable opener who can take the attack to the opposition bowlers.
  • Josh Shaw – The all-rounder is a key contributor and can turn the game with his aggressive batting and tight bowling.
  • Dominic Goodman – The seamer has been in good rhythm and can trouble the top-order with his pace and accuracy.

Head-to-Head

• Overall Record: The two teams have faced each other 28 times in the T20 format.
  • Somerset Wins: 14
  • Gloucestershire Wins: 13
  • No Result: 1
• Recent Trends: The last five meetings have been closely contested, with both teams securing two wins each and one match ending without a result due to rain.

Weather & Pitch Conditions

• Expected Weather: The match is likely to be played under clear skies with a slight breeze, ideal for aggressive batting.
• Pitch Report: The Cooper Associates County Ground pitch is traditionally good for batting, with some assistance for spinners in the later stages. The surface is expected to be true and offers pace and carry, making it a batsman-friendly track.

Predicted Lineups

Somerset (Probable XI)

1. Will Smeed
2. Tom Banton
3. James Rew
4. Craig Overton
5. Lewis Gregory
6. Ben Green
7. Lewis Goldsworthy
8. Jack Leach
9. Jos Buttler (wk)
10. Riley Barnes
11. Tom Kohler-Cadmore (c)

Gloucestershire (Probable XI)

1. Tom Smith
2. Joe Phillips
3. Archie Bailey
4. Marchant de Lange
5. Ajeet Singh Dale
6. Dominic Goodman
7. Josh Shaw
8. Ahmed Syed
9. Zak Chappell (wk)
10. Miles Hammond
11. Matt Taylor (c)

Contract Outlook

Both teams are in transition as several key players are set to leave in the 2025 off-season. This match could serve as a farewell for some of the long-serving stars.

• Somerset's 2025 Expirees (Including this match):

  • Tom Kohler-Cadmore
  • Lewis Gregory
  • Josh Thomas
  • Ben Green
  • Kasey Aldridge
  • Jake Ball

• Gloucestershire's 2025 Expirees (Including this match):

  • Josh Shaw
  • Marchant de Lange
  • Ajeet Singh Dale
  • Ahmed Syed
  • Archie Bailey
  • Miles Hammond

Match Prediction

This is a classic T20 battle between two well-balanced teams. Somerset's home advantage and recent form give them a slight edge, but Gloucestershire's aggressive batting and adaptability make them a tough opponent. Expect a high-scoring game with both teams looking to chase big totals.

Prediction: Somerset by 5-10 runs

Stay tuned for more updates and live scores as the match unfolds!