The Vitality Blast 2025 is just around the corner, and fans of the counties are buzzing with anticipation. From massive sixes to edge-of-the-seat finishes, the Vitality Blast always brings the drama. One ground that often steals the limelight is Kennington Oval (also known as Kia Oval) in London, a ground steeped in history and packed with action and the home ground for Surrey.
Let’s take a closer look at the stats from recent years (2022–2025) to understand what to expect this season.
Pace or Spin? Who’s On Top
Unlike many other English grounds, Kennington Oval offers something for both seamers and spinners. The averages are close, though pacers have a slight edge in strike rate.
| Bowling Type | Average | Economy Rate |
| Fast Bowlers | 26.62 | 8.99 |
| Spin Bowlers | 27.65 | 8.32 |
While spin is a touch more economical, fast bowlers tend to strike quicker. Expect teams to mix it up based on conditions and match-ups.
First Innings Scores Swing Wildly
Over the past three years, first innings totals at the Oval have been anything but consistent. While 2023 saw a batting feast, 2024 dipped noticeably.
| Year | Avg 1st Innings Score |
| 2022 | 165.62 |
| 2023 | 198.14 |
| 2024 | 157.25 |
This tells us one thing—conditions at the Oval can vary sharply, so captains winning the toss will need to read the pitch carefully.
Wickets Galore in the Powerplay
The Kennington Oval stands out for one key reason—Powerplay wickets. The numbers show that bowlers strike early and often, setting the tone from ball one.
| Phase | Avg Wickets |
| Powerplay | 1.67 |
| Middle Overs | 2.89 |
| Death Overs | 2.25 |
| 1st Innings | 7.22 |
| 2nd Innings | 5.58 |
Bowling sides love starting strong here. Batting line-ups will need to keep a cool head early on or risk collapse.
Top Run-Getters at the Oval (2022–2025)
A few familiar faces have made the Oval their hunting ground. Whether they’re opening up or finishing strong, these five have scored consistently at the venue:
| Batter | Runs Scored |
| Will Jacks | 616 |
| Sam Curran | 455 |
| Laurie Evans | 396 |
| Ollie Pope | 297 |
| Sunil Narine | 283 |
Will Jacks has been in flying form. His aggressive batting is well suited to Oval’s flat decks and shorter boundaries.
Leading Wicket-Takers at the Oval
The wicket column tells a story of experience and control. From seamers to spin, bowlers who know how to use the pitch have thrived.
| Bowler | Wickets Taken |
| Sunil Narine | 17 |
| Chris Jordan | 15 |
| Sam Curran | 14 |
| Gus Atkinson | 12 |
| Daniel Worrall | 10 |
Sunil Narine, usually known for his miserly economy, leads the wickets chart as well—proof of his impact with the ball.
What These Numbers Mean for 2025
Teams playing at the Kia Oval this season in the Vitality Blast should keep a few things in mind:
- Strike early: Powerplay wickets change games
- Top-heavy batting helps: Set batters need to cash in early
- Adaptability matters: Scores and conditions shift year by year
- Mix up the attack: Spin and seam both have a role to play
With its unpredictability and history of thrilling finishes, the Oval promises another set of blockbuster clashes this summer.
Final Word
Whether you’re watching from the stands, catching highlights on the telly, or chatting with your mates down the pub, the Kennington Oval/Kia Oval is set to be one of the most entertaining grounds in the Vitality Blast this season, especially with it being the home ground of Surrey!.
So grab your county kit, back your favourite players, and get ready for another unforgettable Vitality Blast campaign. If the stats are anything to go by, the Oval will once again be right at the heart of the action.
