Who Will Win Hampshire vs Essex 118th T20 Blast 2025 Prediction – 17th July

Hampshire vs Essex prediction for the 118th T20 Blast 2025 clash points toward another exciting encounter in the South Group as two teams with contrasting seasons lock horns. While Essex have endured a forgettable campaign, they come into this game after a morale-boosting win over Sussex. On the other hand, Hampshire are flying high with a strong all-round unit and are on the brink of securing a quarter-final berth. This match will be played on Thursday, 17th July 2025, at Essex County Cricket Club, Chelmsford, and fans can expect fireworks, especially with James Vince and Michael Pepper in red-hot form.

Match Details

Essex Team Preview

Essex finally gave their fans something to cheer about with a six-wicket win over Sussex. Their bowling attack was clinical, with Simon Harmer, Mohammad Amir, Sam Cook, and Shane Snater leading from the front.

The batting responsibilities lie with Michael Pepper, who scored a blistering unbeaten 87 from 47 balls in the last match. Paul Walter and Jordan Cox add more depth to a line-up that has the potential but lacks consistency.

The key concern remains their bowling’s ability to contain powerful batting line-ups, especially with Hampshire possessing heavy hitters in form.

Hampshire Team Preview

Hampshire’s top order has been ruthless. James Vince, with his sublime 98* off 49 balls in the last match, once again proved why he’s a premier T20 batter in England. With support from Joe Weatherley, who scored 43, the batting looks rock solid.

On the bowling front, James Fuller, Chris Wood, Scott Currie, Liam Dawson, and Benny Howell offer an exceptional mix of pace and spin. Fuller’s 3/16 in the last game, along with Dawson’s control, makes this unit incredibly dangerous on flat wickets like Chelmsford.

They have already crushed Essex once this season and will be hungry for a repeat.

Probable Playing XIs

Essex:
Michael Pepper, Paul Walter, Jordan Cox (wk), Charlie Allison, Matt Critchley, Luc Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (c), Shane Snater, Sam Cook, Mohammad Amir

Hampshire:
Toby Albert (wk), James Vince (c), Tom Prest, Joe Weatherley, Hilton Cartwright, James Fuller, Benny Howell, Liam Dawson, Scott Currie, Chris Wood, Sonny Baker

Fantasy Team XI

Captain: James Vince – In sensational touch
Vice-Captain: Liam Dawson – Contributes with both bat and ball

Players to Avoid:

• Luc Benkenstein – Minimal recent contributions
• Charlie Allison – Unproven against high-quality bowling

Favourite Team Today – Hampshire

Hampshire are the more balanced and consistent side. Their top-order is in lethal form, their bowling attack is experienced, and they have already dismantled Essex once this season. Unless Essex pull off something extraordinary, Hampshire are likely to dominate again.

Pitch Report – Chelmsford

• Nature: Flat surface, good for batting
• Pace bowlers may get early assistance
• Spinners could come into play in middle overs
• Average first innings score: 160+

Weather Report

• Conditions: Partly cloudy
• Temperature: 18°C–21°C
• Rain: No interruption expected
• Humidity: Moderate

Score Prediction

• If Hampshire Bat First: 167–180
• If Essex Bat First: 142–155

Toss Prediction

• Toss Winner: Essex
• Decision: Bowl First

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.

Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.

Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricketwebs on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram