The first quarter-final match of the Vitality T20 Blast 2026 is all set to begin at Southampton. The two top teams of the league will face each other as Hampshire takes on Essex. Both sides have performed in blistering form throughout the tournament. In 12 games, Hampshire have registered 8 wins, while Essex have won 7 games out of 12.
In the South Group points table, Hampshire stood in first position with 32 points and Essex at number three with 28 points. Since both sides impressed throughout the group stage, this promises to be a high-quality match at the Rose Bowl Stadium.
Match Details: Date, Time & Venue
- Match: 1st Quarter Final Match
- Tournament: The Vitality T20 Blast 2026
- Date: 15th July 2026
- Time: 4:30 PM LOCAL
- Venue: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
- Live Streaming: Sky Go (UK) / SonyLiv app (India)
- Live Telecast: Sky Sports Cricket (UK)
Current Form Overview
On 12th July 2026, Hampshire played their last recent game against Sussex and registered a 4-wicket win, whereas Essex also won their last game against Surrey, which they played in the 108th T20 game of the T20 Blast 2026, by a huge 8-wicket margin.
Recent Form of Both Teams
- Hampshire: L, W, L, W, W
- Essex: L, W, L, W, W
The Rose Bowl Cricket Ground Pitch Report for Hampshire vs Essex 1st Quarter Final
The pitch at the Rose Bowl Stadium offers a neutral, and at the same time, a high-scoring surface as the pitch offers good bounce and natural grass, which allows the batters to hit freely, and later it becomes a good track for spinners as it offers turn with good angles.
If we take a glimpse at the first innings score, it suggests that the toss-winning team should go for batting first, as the first innings score here is around 169 and in the second innings it is 140. So, batting first and putting up a huge total will be better in a high-scoring game.
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Southampton Weather Forecast Ahead of Hampshire vs Essex 1st Quarter Final
The weather at Southampton is expected to be good for cricket, with temperatures ranging between 21°C and 28°C. Northeasterly winds will blow at around 23 to 30 km/h, while the humidity will stay high at around 70% to 80%. There is only a 7% to 11% chance of rain, so the match is expected to go ahead without any major interruption, although some clouds may be seen during the clash.
Hampshire vs Essex 1st Quarter Final: Probable Playing XI
Hampshire Probable Playing XI: James Vince(c), Toby Albert(w), Joe Weatherley, Ben Mayes, Tristan Stubbs, Hilton Cartwright, James Fuller, Scott Currie, Andrew John Neal, Chris Wood, Sonny Baker
Essex Probable Playing XI: Paul Walter, Michael Pepper(w), Charlie Allison, Luc Benkenstein, Matthew Critchley, Simon Harmer(c), Noah Thain, Shane Snater, Charlie Bennett, Mackenzie Jones, Sam Cook
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Players to Watch
Hampshire: Ben Mayes, Hilton Cartwright, and James Vince
The three batters of Hampshire will be the backbone of the team as James Vince comes as an opener and he is responsible for providing a good start for the team, and Ben Mayes, who is a middle-order batter, played a crucial 55-run knock, and with him Hilton Cartwright, who scored 70 runs coming in the lower order in the last game against Sussex, which was played on 12th July 2026.
Essex: Shane Snater, Matt Critchley, and Michael Pepper
In the last match which Essex played against Surrey, the bowling line-up of Essex made Surrey all-out at the score of 123 as Shane Snater took two wickets in his 4-over spell, and Matt Critchley, who made three batters dismissed with his spin bowling, bowled an economical spell with an economy of 4. So these three players will be playing a pivotal role for Essex.
Who Will Win the Match?
Hampshire have been in good form and have a balanced team with strong batters and experienced bowlers. Playing at their home ground could also give them a small advantage in this knockout match.
Essex also have a well-balanced squad and a strong bowling attack. With both teams in good form and the pitch helping both batters and bowlers, a close match is expected, and the better team on the day should win.
