Essex to play Hampshire
Essex will play http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lancashire-c806.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Essex-c783 chased down a target of over 180 thanks to fine knocks from Mark Pettini and Matt Walker, who put up 81 and 76 respectively. The club have now emerged as a solid outside bet to win the event with Somerset the strongest team left in the competition.
Essex have been very inconsistent so far in T20 this season but they would have been hoping to play Hampshire, who look the weakest of the four teams that can now win the event.
There are many positives to the way Essex have played twenty over cricket this season and they have been vital to the success of the team. It's also important to consider that the side are missing five first choice players who would easily walk back into the line up.
Positives
Essex are one of the very few counties around the country who do not have a huge squad, a huge ground or huge finances. They rely on a well organised team and quality coaches to do well.
The county have one of the most dedicated followings of fans in the country. This is very important because vocal support can inspire the team to do well. It's also very intimidating for opposition playing them.
Essex look as though they play a lot better when the pressure is really on them to perform. They have a very balanced side and it's important they can keep this balance as they move forward. However, the semi-final against Hampshire will be on Hampshire's own ground.
Captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Foster-c1644 said: "We're just happy to be there. Hampshire are a very good team. We were successful both times (in the group stage) but I'm sure that will mean nothing. Ultimately it's all about who deals with the pressure on the day."
Players
Essex are missing at least five first choice players who would all walk into the team with very little difficulty. Ryan ten Doeschate has been voted as one of the best players in T20 this season to date and should be fit in time to play against Hampshire.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Danish-Kaneria-c1314 who are all tied down by international duty. It's a lottery whether they will get permission to play on finals down.
Foster added: "It's a great feeling. The Essex crowd all tournament have been superb and today we really needed them. They helped us. Pettini and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Walker-c95903 were outstanding today. And to be there at the end was really, really nice."
Betting advice
Finals day of the T20 competition is always a little bit of a lottery. On paper Hampshire are the weakest team but they will be playing at home in front of their own crowd.
Essex are a very good bet and can beat anyone on their day. They will be chomping at the bit just to make the final, which would mean Champions League cricket and the chance to play against other domestic T20 sides around the world.
A lot depends on the players that come back to the Essex team. They were a little lucky that key players stepped up against Lancashire when Ravi Bopara was out early on. The best option is to wait until finals day has started and take a look at the side that seems to want it most. Essex are more than worth a punt.
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