T20 Blast Essentials: All you need to know ahead of Saturday's action

The Cricketer provides all the information you need ahead of a Saturday double-header at the Kia Oval

SOUTH GROUP

Essex v Kent

Where: Kia Oval

When: Saturday, September 5, 1.05pm

Lowdown: Top against bottom in the South Group, with Kent having impressed thus far, beating pre-season favourites Sussex in a last-ball thriller in their last outing. For Essex, meanwhile, the reigning champions are still winless. They began poorly last year as well before recovering to win the competition.

One to watch: Zak Crawley’s terrific summer continued on Thursday, hitting a quickfire 67 at the top of the order against a bowling attack featuring George Garton, Tymal Mills, Danny Briggs and Ollie Robinson.

Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors

Weather: Sunny intervals and a pleasant afternoon

Prediction: Kent

^{Will Jacks celebrates hitting the winning runs to give Surrey their first win}

Surrey v Middlesex

Where: Kia Oval

When: Saturday, September 5, 6.35pm

Lowdown: Two sides who finally got their first wins of the campaign on Thursday. For Surrey, it was their first victory of any kind in 2020. Middlesex could argue that their 11-run victory over Essex had been coming; Stuart Law’s side had until then played some good T20 cricket without reward.

One to watch: Keep an eye out for Luke Hollman, the Middlesex leg-spinning allrounder. Still only 19 years of age, he took two wickets and struck a crucial unbeaten 25 in a man of the match display on Thursday. He has taken four wickets in two first team appearances: Delray Rawlins, Ravi Bopara, Dan Lawrence and Adam Wheater – not a bad start.

Tickets: The match will be played behind closed doors

Weather: Cloudy but with a chance of early evening sunshine

Prediction: Middlesex

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