Middlesex vs Hampshire – T20 Blast 2025 Match Preview (09 July 2025)

Date: 09 July 2025
Time: 17:00 GMT
Venue: Merchant Taylors’ School Ground
Competition: T20 Blast, South Group
Teams: Middlesex vs Hampshire

Match Overview

The T20 Blast 2025 continues with a high-stakes encounter between Middlesex and Hampshire at the Merchant Taylors’ School Ground. With both teams vying for crucial points in the South Group, this match promises to be an exciting contest of batting prowess and bowling precision.

The venue, historically witnessing some high-scoring T20 games, is expected to play host to a fast-paced and explosive match. The pitch is likely to assist batters, and the overcast conditions at the start of the game could offer bowlers some early swing or seam movement.

Team Form & Performance

Middlesex – 8th in South Group (2 wins, 5 losses)

Middlesex have had a mixed start to the season, managing only two wins in their seven matches. Their batting lineup has struggled to fire consistently, with only a few players contributing with the bat. However, their bowling unit is in decent shape, led by Tom Helm, who has taken 16 wickets in 9 matches at an economy of 9.19.

Middlesex's recent performance against Hampshire has been disappointing, with their last two meetings ending in Hampshire victories. Their ability to chase down targets has been questionable, and they will need a solid top-order effort to make a mark in this match.

Key Players:

• Kane Williamson – The experienced opener, who can anchor the innings.
• Stephen Eskinazi – A rising star with a strike rate of 130.89 in T20s.
• Tom Helm – The key wicket-taking bowler for Middlesex.

Hampshire – 5th in South Group (4 wins, 5 losses)

Hampshire, on the other hand, have shown more consistency in their performances. They are currently placed fifth in the South Group and have the potential to move up the table with a strong performance. Their batting unit is one of the most potent in the competition, with James Vince and Toby Albert in good form.

However, their bowling has been a concern. While Scott Currie (15 wickets at 8.12) has been a standout, the rest of the attack has been inconsistent. Hampshire will look to capitalize on the batting-friendly conditions and post a competitive total.

Key Players:

• James Vince – Leading run-scorer for Hampshire with 309 runs in 10 matches.
• Toby Albert – A reliable middle-order batsman with a strike rate of 138.04.
• Scott Currie – Their most consistent wicket-taker.

Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have faced each other 37 times in T20 matches, with Hampshire holding a 23–14 advantage. The last two meetings between them ended in Hampshire victories, including a recent win in early June 2025.

Despite the head-to-head disadvantage, Middlesex will be motivated to break the trend and secure a much-needed win to boost their group position.

Match Prediction

Based on current form, head-to-head history, and the likely batting-friendly conditions, this match is expected to be a high-scoring affair. The predicted total for the game is around 179-180 runs, with an overall average of 365.1 runs across both innings.

The first six overs are expected to be crucial, with bookmakers offering odds on both teams scoring over 85.5 (Middlesex) and 76.5 (Hampshire) in the powerplay.

If Hampshire bat first, they are expected to post a total in the 180s, with the possibility of reaching 200 runs if the batters are in good form. Middlesex, if chasing, will need a strong start and a composed middle order to reach their target.

Key Betting Markets

• Both Teams To Score 140+ Runs: Yes @ 1.07
• Middlesex Total (1st Innings): Over 85.5 @ 1.52
• Hampshire Total (1st Innings): Over 76.5 @ 1.52
• First Ball Result:
  • 1 Run @ 2.75
  • 4 Runs @ 7.5
  • Wicket @ 21
  • Dot Ball @ 1.6

Conclusion

This is a crucial match for both teams. Hampshire, with their aggressive batting and better recent form, are slight favorites. However, Middlesex have the potential to disrupt the trend and secure a much-needed victory if they can capitalize on early wickets and chase aggressively.

The battle between the two will be closely contested, and the team that starts well and maintains momentum throughout the 20 overs is likely to come out on top.

Final Prediction:

• Hampshire to win the toss and bowl first.
• Hampshire to post a total in the mid-180s.
• Middlesex chasing to win the match.