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Vitality Blast T20 Finals Day Betting Tips & Predictions
Essex Eagles v Hampshire Hawks (Saturday, 11:00 BST)
The Vitality Blast Finals Day takes place on Saturday with Essex Eagles taking on defending champions Hampshire Hawks in the first semi-final.
The winner of the Eagles versus Hawks clash will go on and face the winner of Somerset against Surrey later on in the day at Edgbaston.
The Hawks booked their place at Finals Day with a five-wicket success against Worcestershire Rapids.
Hampshire opted to bowl first after winning the toss. They reduced the Rapids to 100 all out with Nathan Ellis the pick of the bowlers with 4-5 off 2.5 overs, while Christopher Wood and John Turner claimed two apiece.
In reply, they knocked off their total with 4.3 overs remaining with Tom Prest and Joe Weatherley both top-scoring with 25.
Essex won a high-scoring contest against The Bears by two wickets. The Eagles won the toss and decided to field.
The Bears posted 167 for the loss of seven wickets – which was a good total in the Blast. Sam Hain top-scored with 52, while Sam Cook took two wickets for Essex.
That was a daunting total, but Essex got home with one ball to spare. Shane Snater and Aaron Beard got Essex home, but it was Paul Walter who top-scored with 27 from 15 deliveries.
The Hawks love this tournament – they have won it three times – so I am backing them to reach the final at the expense of the Eagles.
Hampshire have some quality batsmen in their team, and when he on form James Vince is a very dangerous player. He has scored 657 runs in 15 matches, so I am backing him to top-score for the Hawks.
For Essex, back Michael Kyle-Pepper to come in at number three and smash the ball around for some quick runs.
Somerset v Surrey (Saturday, 14:30 BST)
Vitality Blast T20 Sky Bet Boosts
