1. Blast off!
Remember the term “event cricket,” which once required fans to make “an appointment to view”? When Twenty20 cricket first emerged in 2003, such phrases became common once the format gained popularity and established itself firmly in the cricketing landscape.
The latest season of the men’s T20 Blast commenced on Friday, and by Monday evening, a total of 17 matches had been contested across three groups: South, North, and Central & West.
Clearly, there is confidence in this expansive schedule.
2. Saffers suffocate bears
Historically, T20 cricket has been enjoyed primarily for its spectacle, with Finals Day standing out as a highlight. This year, the women’s Finals Day will take place at the Oval on Friday 17 July, followed by the men’s event at Edgbaston on Saturday 18 July. Despite the somewhat forced rebranding to “EdgBlaston,” the event remains a popular and enjoyable occasion in Birmingham. However, the question remains whether the local team will be present at their own celebration.
The Warwickshire Bears, who have dropped the “Birmingham” prefix, have started their campaign with two losses. They had reason for optimism after bowling Gloucestershire out for a modest 121 at Bristol, with experienced bowlers Oliver Hannon-Dalby and Chris Woakes dismantling the top order before young talents Tazeem Ali and Usman Tariq applied pressure with their slow bowling, leaving Warwickshire in a strong position at the halfway point.
However, the Bears struggled to counter Gloucestershire’s potent South African pace attack. Duan Jansen, twin brother of Marco Jansen, and the formidable Marchant de Lange reduced Warwickshire to 48-6, effectively ending the contest.
The match concluded in just 30.5 overs, with Gloucestershire securing victory well before the evening.
3. Rews bounce Hampshire to sorry defeat
Defending champions Somerset have made a strong start, winning both of their opening matches. They first dominated Hampshire at home and then defeated Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
James Vince returned to Hampshire’s lineup and produced a fluent 50, but his presence could not reverse Hampshire’s difficult season. Their total of 158 at Taunton proved insufficient.
Will Smeed, back in familiar white-ball cricket after a challenging Championship season, made a significant impact. By the time he was dismissed, having struck four sixes and six fours, Somerset had amassed 96 runs at a rate exceeding 10 runs per over. The Rew brothers then completed the chase comfortably.
Although Somerset’s spin options are limited, their batting firepower and experience make them strong favourites to chase totals under 200, and potentially even up to 220 at home.
4. Ali and Ali deliver knockout blows
A new Blast season often brings surprises as franchise players appear in unexpected teams. One such moment was Moeen Ali’s five sixes as Yorkshire successfully chased a challenging 194 set by Derbyshire.
When Dom Bess was dismissed in the 16th over, the Headingley crowd might have feared their team’s efforts were in vain, with 56 runs needed off 27 balls and only one wicket remaining. However, seasoned internationals Andrew Tye and Hasan Ali stepped up, swinging the bat aggressively and securing victory with four balls to spare.
The two bowlers returned to the pavilion questioning the batting, while Yorkshire recorded their second win from two matches, alongside Durham, gaining momentum in the competition.
5. Sam Curran and other 3D cricketers
Surrey entered the Blast needing to assert themselves, as their red-ball cricket often lacks decisiveness, which is crucial in this fast-paced format. After comfortably defeating Lancashire in their opener, they traveled to Lord’s for the derby against Middlesex, a fixture that consistently qualifies as “event cricket” and usually ends in Surrey’s favour, reflecting the financial disparities between the two clubs.
When Surrey found themselves at 56-4 chasing 144, Middlesex supporters sensed an upset was possible. However, Sam Curran, now a batting all-rounder, partnered with Laurie Evans, a seasoned south London player, to guide Surrey to victory in the 19th over.
While it may be unfair to label players like the Curran brothers as mere utility players, having versatile cricketers who can contribute both with bat and ball provides captains with multiple strategic options. Expect to see more players delivering economical spells of two overs conceding around 14 runs and contributing useful 30s from lower-order positions.
6. Crawley edges forward
Kent share the top spot in the South Group with Surrey, both holding two wins from two matches. Kent’s second victory came in a well-executed chase against Sussex, reaching a target of 199 with 10 balls remaining.
The innings was anchored by an unbeaten 75 from Zak Crawley, marking his first half-century of a summer that has seen him lose his place in the England Test side.
Crawley’s position in the Test XI had become untenable, and his privileged background has complicated public sympathy. Nonetheless, it must have been a challenging five months for the 28-year-old, and many fans hope this innings signals a return to form for this talented but mercurial batsman.
