Somerset vs Hampshire – Vitality T20 Blast Match Preview – 19 June 2025

Match: Somerset vs Hampshire
Competition: Vitality T20 Blast 2025 – South Division
Date & Time: Thursday, 19 June 2025, 18:30 GMT (Taunton County Ground)
Venue: Taunton County Ground, Taunton

Match Overview

The Somerset vs Hampshire clash in the Vitality T20 Blast promises to be a thrilling encounter as two well-balanced sides meet at the Taunton County Ground. With Somerset currently sitting second in the South Division and Hampshire in fifth, this match carries significant implications for both teams' chances of making the semi-finals.

The venue, historically a batting-friendly surface, will likely encourage aggressive batting from both sides. However, the weather forecast suggests a chilly evening with temperatures in the low to mid-10s Celsius and cloudy skies, which could favor spin and slow bowlers.

Team Form & Performance

Somerset

• Division Position: 2nd in the South Division (2025)
• Form: Invincible in their last six matches, with a win margin of 4-8 wickets in the last five, showing strong depth and consistency.
• Key Players: Tom Banton (wk), Riley Meredith, and Lewis Gregory have been instrumental in their recent victories.
• Captain: Lewis Gregory

Somerset’s recent dominance has been impressive, and their ability to chase down targets with ease makes them a formidable side in the T20 format. The Taunton pitch is also a familiar one for them, and they are expected to take full advantage.

Hampshire

• Division Position: 5th in the South Division (2025)
• Form: Mixed, with 3 wins, 2 losses, and 1 tie in their last 6 matches. Their recent game against Kent ended in a heavy defeat, suggesting a need for a quick turnaround.
• Key Players: Lhuandre Pretorius (wk), James Vince (c), and Chris Wood are expected to lead the charge.
• Captain: James Vince

Hampshire will be aiming to end their poor run of form with a win. However, their inconsistency in chases and struggles against top-order bowlers could be a concern. The lack of depth in their batting middle order might be tested on a surface that rewards aggressive batting.

Head-to-Head Record

• Matches Played: 29
• Somerset Wins: 18
• Hampshire Wins: 10
• Last Meeting (14 June 2024): Somerset won by 9 wickets
• First Meeting (10 June 2010): Somerset won by 10 wickets

Somerset has a clear edge in the head-to-head record, particularly at home. Their recent dominance, including a 9-wicket win in the last T20 meeting, bodes well for them as they prepare for this clash.

Venue & Weather Conditions

• Pitch: Taunton County Ground is known for being a batting-friendly track with little grass and quick scoring opportunities.
• Boundaries: Square boundaries are around 65-68 meters, with straight boundaries exceeding 75 meters.
• Weather Forecast:
  • Temperature: 10–14°C
  • Conditions: Chilly evening, cloudy skies, low chance of rain
  • Wind: Light winds, high humidity

The cooler conditions could slow the ball down and favor spin and slower bowlers, which could be a key factor in the middle overs.

Players to Watch

Somerset

• Tom Banton (wk): Has been in excellent form with the bat, anchoring the innings and accelerating when needed.
• Riley Meredith: A consistent and wicket-taking seamer who can exploit any movement in the pitch.
• Lewis Gregory (c): The experienced all-rounder who can lead from the front with both bat and ball.

Hampshire

• Lhuandre Pretorius (wk): Expected to be the key run-scorer and anchor for Hampshire’s innings.
• James Vince (c): Needs a quick return to form to inspire his side and take control of the innings.
• Chris Wood: A match-winner with his ability to take wickets in clusters and bowl tight spells.

Match Prediction

Given their recent dominance and strong form, Somerset are slight favorites to win this match. Their ability to chase down targets with ease, coupled with the home advantage and a pitch that suits their game, makes them a strong contender.

However, Hampshire is a resilient side and capable of pulling off an upset if their key players perform to their best. A target in the mid-190s could be chased down, but the hosts will look to post a competitive total.

Predicted Winner: Somerset
Predicted Score:

• Somerset: 196/7 (20 overs)
• Hampshire: 193/9 (20 overs)
• Result: Somerset win by 3 runs

Live Streaming & Broadcast

• Live TV: Star Sports Network
• Live Streaming: SonyLiv app/website, Fancode app/website, County team YouTube channels

Conclusion

This Somerset vs Hampshire clash is shaping up to be a high-stakes T20 encounter with crucial implications for both teams. Somerset's current form and home advantage give them the upper hand, but Hampshire will be looking to make a statement and end their recent struggles.

Fans can look forward to a tight contest with all the elements of a classic T20 match. The pitch and weather will play a decisive role, and the battle between the openers and the early-order bowlers could set the tone for the game.
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