Gloucestershire vs Sharks | Doubleheader

A quarter-final tie: it's still within reach of Paul Farbrace's side despite four consecutive Vitality Blast defeats. Two games remain, eight points available - a lot would need to go correctly for Sussex to secure qualification, and a victory at Gloucestershire on Thursday is absolutely imperative.

It proceeds Alexia Walker's side's fixture, also with Gloucestershire, as the hosts get their ever-popular Cheltenham Festival underway. Prospects of reaching Finals Day for the Sharks have now faded, but a win would secure a very respectable third place in a season of many positives for our new-look side.

Squads

Paul Farbrace has named a 15-player squad for the trip to Cheltenham, with Ollie Robinson added.

Alsop, Carson, Clark, Coles, Crocombe, Currie, Hudson-Prentice, Hughes, Lamb, McAndrew, Mills (c), Robinson, Simpson (wk), Thomas, Ward

Alexia Walker has named a 13-player squad, with Rachel King returning for the trip to Cheltenham. 

M Adams, A Buckle, I Collis, L Curling, K Docherty, C Green, N Harman, R King, A Lee, A Lewis, T Stanley, J Westley, P Wilkinson

The Opposition | Gloucestershire Women

It has been a disappointing campaign for Gloucestershire in the Vitality Blast Women League 2, winning just one of their six matches thus far. The two sides have met previously this season in the Blast, with Hove the setting. The Sharks completed a 27-run victory courtesy of a wonderful Rachel King effort with the bat before Chiara Green shone with the ball.

Gloucestershire are also in the Sharks' One Day Cup group, and we will be welcoming the Bristol-based county to Hove once again on August 2. Prarthana Reddy has been the outstanding batter for Gloucestershire, recording 136 runs at an average of just over 22. Taking wickets have been their kryptonite, though, with Olivia Daniel's five wickets the pick of the bowlers in the competition.

The Opposition | Gloucestershire Men

Despite looking dead and buried, miraculously Gloucestershire now have an outside chance of qualifying for the last eight of the competition. A lot would have to go right - even more right than Sussex's chances - but a victory over the Sharks would set up a dramatic finale on Friday.

Victorious in their previous fixture in Glamorgan, Marchant de Lange has been crucial in picking up wickets. David Payne, too, who has 17 wickets to his name in the competition this season. Meanwhile, the bat of D'Arcy Short has been phenomenal this campaign, with the Australian opener smashing 414 runs this season to date.

Start Time

The day will commence with the women's match at midday, with the men's fixture taking place at 4pm.

How to Watch

You will be able to watch every ball, free of charge, of the our clashes with Gloucestershire via our Match Day Centre. You will need to register for a free account to access the stream, statistics, replays and live scorecard. You can find information on how to register here.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the doubleheader are still available, and you can buy your ticket via this link.