Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire Prediction: 2nd Semi-Final T20 2026 Match Prediction, Playing XI & Team Preview
The Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire prediction for the second semi-final of the Vitality Blast 2026 promises an exciting contest between two teams that have dominated the tournament from the group stage through to the knockout rounds. The match will be played on Saturday, 18th July 2026, at the iconic Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, where the winner will secure a place in the Vitality Blast 2026 Final. Both Hampshire Hawks and Nottinghamshire Outlaws finished at the top of their respective groups after winning eight matches each, highlighting the consistency they have displayed throughout the competition.
Hampshire produced one of the performances of the season in their quarter-final victory over Essex, posting an imposing 211/3 before bowling Essex out for 136. Captain James Vince stole the headlines with a breathtaking 125 off just 61 balls, while Sonny Baker’s five-wicket haul completed a comprehensive victory. Nottinghamshire also impressed in their quarter-final, defeating Surrey by seven runs thanks to disciplined bowling after defending 163.
George Munsey, Jack Haynes and Joe Clarke have formed one of the strongest batting units in the competition, while Mohammad Amir, George Linde and Olly Stone continue to provide wicket-taking options despite the absence of Mohammad Ali. Hampshire hold a slight psychological advantage, having won three of the previous four T20 meetings between these teams.
However, Nottinghamshire’s balanced squad and outstanding campaign mean they cannot be underestimated. Edgbaston has consistently produced high-scoring encounters during the Vitality Blast 2026, with an average first-innings score close to 200, suggesting another entertaining contest awaits cricket fans.
Cricketwebs provides the best match prediction tips for every cricket match, and our complete Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire prediction includes detailed team previews, probable playing XIs, pitch report, weather forecast, score prediction, winning chances, and the final winner prediction for this crucial semi-final.
Match Details
| Match | Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire, 2nd Semi-Final T20 |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Vitality Blast 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, 18th July 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham |
| Format | T20 |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Hampshire Preview
Hampshire Hawks have once again demonstrated why they are regarded as one of England’s premier T20 teams. Finishing at the top of the South Group with eight victories from twelve matches, Hampshire carried that momentum into the quarter-finals, where they produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Essex by 75 runs. Their confidence is at its highest heading into Finals Day, and they possess the experience required to handle knockout pressure.
Captain James Vince has enjoyed another magnificent Vitality Blast campaign. He has accumulated over 420 runs this season and enters this semi-final after smashing a sensational 125 off just 61 deliveries against Essex. His elegant stroke play combined with his ability to accelerate makes him one of the competition’s most dangerous batters.
Joe Weatherley has been equally consistent throughout the tournament, contributing nearly 400 runs while providing stability at the top of the order. Together, Vince and Weatherley have repeatedly laid strong foundations. The middle order features powerful hitters including Tristan Stubbs, Hilton Cartwright and Toby Albert, all capable of scoring quickly against both pace and spin.
Hampshire’s all-round strength is another major advantage. Delano Potgieter and James Fuller offer valuable contributions with both bat and ball, giving the captain flexibility during pressure situations. Their presence ensures Hampshire bat deep and possess multiple bowling options.
The bowling attack has been outstanding all season. Scott Currie continues to lead the pace department with 20 wickets, consistently making early breakthroughs. Chris Wood provides excellent control with the new ball, while Sonny Baker announced himself with a memorable five-wicket haul in the quarter-final. Liam Dawson and James Fuller further strengthen the attack with their experience and variety.
Fielding has also played an important role in Hampshire’s success. Their athleticism inside the ring, safe catching and energetic ground fielding have consistently helped save crucial runs during tight contests.
With explosive batting, experienced all-rounders and a disciplined bowling attack, Hampshire possess one of the most balanced squads in the competition. If their top order produces another strong start, they will be difficult to stop.
Key Players: James Vince, Joe Weatherley, Scott Currie
Nottinghamshire Preview
Nottinghamshire Outlaws have enjoyed a remarkable turnaround after narrowly missing the knockout stages last season. They finished at the top of the North Group with eight victories before defeating Surrey by seven runs in a tense quarter-final to reach Finals Day.
Captain Joe Clarke has led the side impressively throughout the campaign. Although he missed out in the previous match, his aggressive batting remains crucial to Nottinghamshire’s success. His leadership has helped build confidence within a squad that combines experienced county professionals with exciting overseas talent.
The batting has been led brilliantly by George Munsey, who has accumulated 488 runs this season while maintaining an outstanding average and strike rate. His fearless approach during the powerplay frequently gives Nottinghamshire rapid starts. Jack Haynes has also enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring over 370 runs and playing a match-winning unbeaten 75 against Surrey in the quarter-final.
Tom Moores provides finishing power in the lower middle order, while George Linde contributes useful runs and valuable experience. Benny Howell’s ability to finish innings quickly further strengthens Nottinghamshire’s batting depth.
The bowling department remains one of the team’s biggest strengths despite the absence of Mohammad Ali. Veteran left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will lead the attack and remains highly effective with the new ball and at the death. Olly Stone offers genuine pace, while Binura Fernando provides another quality seam option.
Spin all-rounder George Linde has enjoyed an outstanding season with both bat and ball, claiming 17 wickets while also scoring valuable runs. Liam Patterson-White adds further spin variety and often controls the middle overs with his economical bowling.
Nottinghamshire’s fielding standards have also been excellent throughout the campaign. Their sharp catching and disciplined work inside the circle have regularly created pressure that allows bowlers to attack aggressively.
Although Mohammad Ali’s absence is a setback, Nottinghamshire possess enough quality and experience to compete strongly. If Munsey and Clarke provide another aggressive start while Amir strikes early with the ball, the Outlaws have every opportunity to upset Hampshire and reach the Vitality Blast Final.
Key Players: George Munsey, Joe Clarke, Mohammad Amir
Team Squads
Hampshire Hawks
Toby Albert (WK), James Vince (C), Joe Weatherley, Ben Mayes, Hilton Cartwright, Delano Potgieter, James Fuller, Andrew Neal, Scott Currie, Chris Wood, Sonny Baker.
Nottinghamshire Outlaws
Joe Clarke (C), George Munsey, Jack Haynes, Joe Pocklington, Tom Moores (WK), George Linde, Benny Howell, Liam Patterson-White, Olly Stone, Binura Fernando, Mohammad Amir.
Probable Playing XI
| Hampshire | Nottinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Toby Albert (wk) | Joe Clarke (c) |
| James Vince (c) | George Munsey |
| Joe Weatherley | Jack Haynes |
| Hilton Cartwright | Joe Pocklington |
| Tristan Stubbs | Tom Moores (wk) |
| Delano Potgieter | George Linde |
| James Fuller | Benny Howell |
| Scott Currie | Liam Patterson-White |
| Chris Wood | Olly Stone |
| Sonny Baker | Binura Fernando |
| Andrew Neal | Mohammad Amir |
Favourite Team in Today’s Match (Why?)
Hampshire enter the second semi-final as favourites because they possess one of the most balanced squads in the Vitality Blast 2026. Their batting lineup has been outstanding throughout the tournament, led by captain James Vince, who arrives after a magnificent century in the quarter-final. Joe Weatherley, Tristan Stubbs, Hilton Cartwright, and Delano Potgieter provide excellent depth, ensuring Hampshire can recover even after losing early wickets. Their bowling attack is equally impressive, with Scott Currie, Chris Wood, Sonny Baker, and James Fuller consistently delivering breakthroughs. Nottinghamshire have also enjoyed a fantastic campaign, but the absence of leading wicket-taker Mohammad Ali weakens their bowling unit considerably. Hampshire’s superior batting depth, recent momentum, and stronger head-to-head record make them slight favourites to secure a place in the Vitality Blast 2026 Final.
Pitch Report
Edgbaston Stadium has been one of the best batting venues during the Vitality Blast 2026. The surface generally provides consistent bounce and true pace, allowing stroke-makers to play freely from the start. Fast bowlers receive slight movement with the new ball during the opening overs, but batting becomes much easier once players settle. Spinners can play an important role during the middle overs if they vary their pace and lengths effectively. The average first-innings score at this venue this season is around 201, making it one of the highest-scoring grounds in the competition. Teams posting 190+ usually gain a strong advantage.
Weather Report
| Weather Factor | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 21°C |
| Conditions | Partly Cloudy |
| Rain Chance | 10% |
| Humidity | 64% |
| Wind | 15 km/h |
Pleasant weather is expected in Birmingham with only a minimal chance of rain. Conditions should remain ideal for a full 20-over semi-final.
Broadcast Details
The Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire 2nd Semi-Final of the Vitality Blast 2026 will be streamed live on FanCode in India. Cricket fans can watch the match live through the FanCode website and mobile application, featuring live streaming, ball-by-ball commentary, live score updates, player statistics, match highlights, expert analysis, and complete post-match coverage from Edgbaston.
Toss Prediction
Edgbaston has offered excellent batting conditions throughout the tournament, with chasing teams enjoying success under lights. The fresh surface should provide early assistance for seamers before becoming easier for batting later in the innings. Winning the toss will therefore be important, and captains are expected to prefer chasing in pressure knockout matches. Our Toss Prediction: Nottinghamshire will win the toss and choose to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of evening batting conditions during the run chase.
Score Prediction
| Scenario | Predicted Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| If Hampshire Bat First | 158–175 | James Vince, Joe Weatherley and Tristan Stubbs provide a solid batting foundation, while the lower order can accelerate in the death overs. |
| If Nottinghamshire Bat First | 151–165 | George Munsey and Joe Clarke can score quickly, but Hampshire’s disciplined bowling attack should keep the total within reach. |
Probable Best Batsman & Bowler
James Vince is undoubtedly Hampshire’s biggest batting threat after his sensational 125-run knock in the quarter-final against Essex. His consistency, elegant stroke play and ability to dominate both pace and spin make him the leading candidate to score heavily once again. Joe Weatherley has also enjoyed an excellent season and provides strong support at the top of the order.
For Nottinghamshire, George Munsey remains their most dangerous batter after scoring 488 runs this season. Jack Haynes is another reliable performer who enters the semi-final with confidence following his unbeaten 75 in the quarter-final. With the ball, Scott Currie has been Hampshire’s leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets and continues to impress with the new ball. Nottinghamshire will rely heavily on Mohammad Amir, whose experience, swing bowling and death-over skills make him their primary wicket-taking weapon in the absence of Mohammad Ali.
Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire Winning Chances?
| Team | Winning Chances | Why They Can Win | Why They May Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hampshire | 65% | Outstanding batting depth, balanced bowling attack, James Vince’s excellent form, strong head-to-head record | Early wickets or failure to contain Nottinghamshire’s aggressive top order |
| Nottinghamshire | 35% | George Munsey’s consistency, experienced bowling attack, quality all-rounders | Absence of Mohammad Ali and dependence on top-order batting |
Match Prediction
Both Hampshire and Nottinghamshire have enjoyed exceptional Vitality Blast campaigns, making this semi-final one of the most anticipated matches of Finals Day. Nottinghamshire possess match-winners such as George Munsey, Joe Clarke and Mohammad Amir, but the absence of Mohammad Ali weakens their bowling attack. Hampshire appear to have greater balance with a powerful batting lineup, experienced all-rounders and a disciplined bowling unit. James Vince’s outstanding form and Sonny Baker’s confidence after his five-wicket haul give Hampshire additional momentum. If their top order delivers another strong performance, Hampshire should have enough quality to overcome Nottinghamshire and qualify for the Vitality Blast 2026 Final.
Our Prediction: Hampshire Hawks Will Win the 2nd Semi-Final T20 Match.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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