Somerset primed to make winning start to Cup campaign

Somerset v Surrey
Sky Sports 2, 11am Friday
Kolkata v Delhi & Kings XI v Hyderabad
Sky Sports 3, from 11.30am Friday

Surrey have suffered One-Day Cup final heartache in each of the previous two seasons and they begin their quest to make it third time lucky at Somerset.

Only Yorkshire are above the Londoners in the betting for this year's Lord's showpiece but a trip to Taunton could represent a tricky opening assignment.

If any county understand how to utilise home advantage it is the Cidermen, who built a sustained 2016 County Championship bid on getting the most out of their turning tracks.

Their strong season was not confined to four-day cricket as Jim Allenby's men reached the semi-finals of this competition, losing to winners Warwickshire in the last four, having topped the South Group.

Surrey's stellar batting line-up has been much vaunted this term but Somerset have plenty of power themselves. Skipper Allenby is well supported by South Africans Dean Elgar and Johann Myburgh while wicketkeeper batsman Steve Davies, who signed from Surrey in the winter, adds further dynamic to their line-up.

At odds-against the hosts look to be the value call to get their campaign off to a flying start.

There are two televised IPL matches for punters to get stuck into on Friday afternoon with leaders Kolkata Knight Riders fancied to overcome struggling Delhi Daredevils.

Kolkata prevailed with one ball to spare when the sides met 11 days ago but back on home soil, they should win with a bit more in hand.

The Knight Riders' explosive batting unit has hit more maximums than their opponents in four of their last five outings and that trend may well continue at Eden Gardens.

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