As the T20 season progresses, cricket fans are in for another exciting contest as Essex vs Hampshire in the 118th T20 match. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with a competitive spirit running high, this matchup promises a thrilling evening under the lights at Chelmsford.
Let’s dive into all the essential details, including venue info, head-to-head stats, pitch and weather reports, and of course—expert betting tips and predictions.
Match Details – When and Where?
This highly anticipated fixture will be played at the County Ground, Chelmsford, a venue rich in cricketing tradition. Established in 1787, the ground is known for hosting close contests and has a seating capacity of 6,500. Owned by the Essex County Cricket Club, the ground boasts two famous ends—the Sir Alastair Cook End and the Graham Gooch End.
Date & Time: 17th July
Local Time: 11:30 PM BST
Streaming Platform: Toffee
Floodlights: Yes
With its fast outfield and quality pitch, this venue is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Head-to-Head: Essex vs Hampshire in T20s
These two teams have locked horns many times in the past, and their rivalry continues to grow stronger. In the 43 matches played between them:
Hampshire have won 20
Essex have managed 16 wins
Four matches ended with no result,
Three were tied
This shows that Hampshire have had a slight edge, but Essex have been more than capable of pulling off surprise wins.
Recent Form – Who’s Looking Stronger?
Looking at the last five matches for both sides:
Essex (ESS): Win, Loss, Win, Loss, Loss
Hampshire (HAM): Win, Win, Win, Loss, Win
Hampshire clearly have the upper hand in terms of consistency. With three wins in their last five matches, they’ll be feeling confident heading into this clash.
Last 5 Head-to-Head Matches – A Mixed Bag
Here’s how the recent direct encounters between the two teams have played out:
31st May 2025: Hampshire won
20th July 2024: Hampshire won
21st June 2024: Essex won
15th July 2023: Essex won
24th June 2023: Hampshire won
Interestingly, both teams have shared victories recently, but Hampshire have claimed three of the last five.
Weather Report – Conditions in Chelmsford
The weather for this match looks perfect for cricket. Conditions are expected to be dry and warm, with:
Temperature: Around 27°C
Humidity: Low, at 20%
Wind Speed: 30 km/hr
Cloud Cover: Around 52%
Windy conditions might help swing bowlers early in the innings, while the cloud cover could offer some movement.
Pitch Report – What to Expect at County Ground
The County Ground in Chelmsford generally offers a good batting surface, especially for those who get set early. However, recent trends suggest teams batting first have found more success. Early on, fast bowlers can expect some assistance from the surface, but as the game progresses, it tends to slow down—bringing spinners into the picture.
Key pitch stats at Chelmsford:
Total Matches Played: 13
Matches won batting first: 5
Matches won chasing: 8
Average Score: 137
Highest Score: 226/3
Lowest Score: 83/10
Given these numbers, captains might prefer to bat first if they win the toss.
Predicted Playing XIs
Both teams are likely to field strong line-ups:
Essex (ESS):
Michael-Kyle Pepper (wk)
Paul Walter
Jordan Cox
Charles Allison
Matt Critchley
Luc Benkenstein
Noah thain
Simon Harmer (c)
Shane Snater
Samuel Cook
Mohammad Amir
Hampshire (HAM):
Toby Albert (wk)
James Vince (c)
Tom Prest
Joe Weatherley
Hilton Cartwright
Benny Howell
James Fuller
Liam Dawson
Scott Currie
Chris Wood
Sonny Baker
These squads include a healthy mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talents.
Injuries and Availability
As of now, no injury concerns have been reported from either camp. Any last-minute changes will be updated closer to match time.
Betting Tips and Predictions by E2bet
For those keeping an eye on fantasy leagues or betting markets, here are some solid picks based on recent performances and matchups:
Who Will Win the Toss: Essex
Predicted Match Winner: Hampshire
Total Boundaries (Both Teams): Over 35
Likely Player of the Match: James Vince
1st Innings Total Prediction: Over 170
Most Likely to Take Most Wickets: James Fuller
Final Prediction – Who Will Win?
While Essex have the home advantage and a solid squad, Hampshire have been in better form recently. Their top-order batting, coupled with a steady bowling unit, gives them a good chance of taking this one.
Our Final Prediction: Hampshire to win the match.
Let’s wait and see if Hampshire can carry their momentum forward or if Essex can pull off something special on their home turf.