Somerset CCC | One Day Cup Semi-Final Match Preview - 18/08/2024
Sat 17 Aug 2024
Leicestershire are set for their second Metro Bank One Day Cup semi-final in as many seasons, as the Foxes head south for a showdown with Somerset at Taunton on Sunday.
The defending champions defeated Hampshire on Friday in a repeat of last summer's final, and will be bidding to continue their remarkable away form in 50-over cricket, having won 15 of their last 16 on the road.
Somerset arrive at the semi-final stages having topped Group A, boasting some familiar faces in Ben Green and Lewis Goldsworthy, who have both spent time on loan with Leicestershire this season.
Last Time We Met:
Leicestershire won the last encounter between the two by a 45-run margin in the 2022 campaign. Inserted by Somerset at Uptonsteel County Ground, the Foxes were in a world of trouble early on, having been reduced to 16/3.
Louis Kimber, who had made 85 from 57 balls at Taunton the season prior, proved defiant, however, making his maiden List A century. The big-hitting all-rounder scored 102 (89b), while Harry Swindells notched 70 to take Leicestershire to 269 at halfway.
South African duo Beuran Hendricks and Wiaan Mulder were superb with the ball in response, picking up three apiece as the Foxes bowled Somerset out for 224 to win by 45 runs.
Decisive Duel:
The battle of the ‘keepers could prove the point of difference on Sunday. Ben Cox has displayed his capabilities with bat and gloves for more than 15 years, while James Rew is one of the most exciting youngsters on the circuit.
Cox is set for his 100th List A appearance, having amassed 1,989 runs at 30.60 in 50-over so far. One of the sharpest glovemen around, he showed all his experience last time out “ adding 45 in a 94-run alliance with Liam Trevaskis.
Rew has been an ever-present in the Somerset ranks, and has scored runs with admirable constancy. The 20-year-old has registered 374 at 74.8 “ hitting five half-centuries from his eight innings this campaign.
Squad:
Ian Holland is expected to return to the fold after missing the Hampshire quarter-final through loan regulations. A finalised squad will be confirmed in due course.
