Kent vs Somerset Match Preview – OneDay Cup, August 24, 2025

Date: August 24, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM GMT / 3:30 PM IST
Venue: St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury
Format: OneDay Cup
Toss Time: Expected to be around 10:45 AM GMT

Match Context

Kent and Somerset are set to lock horns in a high-stakes OneDay Cup clash at the picturesque St Lawrence Ground in Canterbury. With both sides having had contrasting performances in the tournament so far, this encounter promises to be a fascinating battle of strategy, skill, and stamina.

Key Facts

• James Rew has been the standout performer for Somerset, amassing 312 runs in six innings.
• Ben Dawkins leads the charge for Kent, having scored 252 runs in just four games.
• In their last five meetings, Somerset have the edge, having won three of the five encounters.
• The toss at this venue tends to favor the decision to bat first, with the surface historically rewarding aggressive batting.

Team Form and Strengths

Kent

Kent have had a mixed run in recent games, with three defeats in their last five matches. However, they still have a chance to climb the OneDay Cup standings with a strong performance. The key to their success will lie in the top-order’s ability to post a competitive total. Ben Dawkins and Jaydn Denly have formed a promising opening partnership, and if they can replicate that in this match, Kent could be in a strong position.

The bowling line-up, led by Matt Parkinson and Fred Klaassen, has shown promise in tight situations, and they will need to step up against a balanced Somerset batting unit.

Somerset

Somerset enter this match in good form, with four wins from their last five games. Their balanced squad, which includes match-winners across all departments, makes them a formidable opponent. James Rew and Tom Lammonby are expected to be the key runs providers, while the spin-bowling duo of Alfie Ogborne and Jake Ball could prove crucial if the game is tight in the middle overs.

Their ability to chase or defend totals with ease has made them one of the most consistent sides in the competition, and they will be looking to extend their head-to-head dominance over Kent.

Weather and Venue

Canterbury is expected to see overcast skies with a 20% chance of rain. The temperature is forecasted to be around 21°C, which is ideal for a cricket match. The St Lawrence Ground is known for its batting-friendly conditions, and this match is likely to be a high-scoring affair, especially if the toss goes in favor of batting.

Player Probables

Kent

1. Ben Dawkins
2. Jaydn Denly
3. Joey Evison
4. Chris Benjamin
5. Harry Finch (c & wk)
6. Ekansh Singh
7. Jack Leaning
8. Mohammed Rizvi
9. Fred Klaassen
10. Matt Parkinson
11. Michael Cohen

Somerset

1. Tom Lammonby
2. Archie Vaughan
3. Lewis Goldsworthy
4. James Rew (c & wk)
5. Thomas Rew
6. Joshua Thomas
7. Fin Hill
8. Ben Green
9. Kasey Aldridge
10. Alfie Ogborne
11. Jake Ball

Key Matchups

• Ben Dawkins vs Somerset's spinners – Dawkins will be crucial for Kent’s openers.
• James Rew vs Kent's medium-paced bowlers – Rew has been in red-hot form and will look to continue it.
• Fred Klaassen vs Somerset's middle order – Klaassen's ability to break partnerships could be vital.

Match Prediction

Kent have a 45% chance of winning this match, while Somerset are the clear favorites at 55%.

Given their superior form and the strength of their squad, Somerset are expected to win this match, especially if the toss goes in their favor and they choose to bat. However, Kent’s ability to post a quick score could give them a shot at a chase, depending on how their top order performs.

Betting Tips

• Somerset to win the match @ 1.45 (Parimatch)
• Ben Dawkins to be Kent’s best batter
• James Rew to be Somerset’s best batter
• Jaydn Denly to be Kent’s best bowler
• Alfie Ogborne to be Somerset’s best bowler
• Kent to have a better opening partnership than Somerset

Final Verdict

This is a match that promises excitement and intensity. While Kent will be eager to put on a show at home, Somerset appear to be the stronger and more consistent side at the moment. With the toss likely to determine the tone of the match, the key will be who takes the initiative and executes their game plan effectively.

Prediction: Somerset by 10-15 runs
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