Essex Men host Hampshire Hawks Men in what's set to be a Friday night thriller in Chelmsford.
Simon Harmer's men welcome the Hawks to Chelmsford for the penultimate round of Vitality T20 Blast group-stage fixtures, and potentially the last domestic T20 of the season at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground.
Having suffered defeat to Middlesex on Sunday, Essex Men will want to replicate their performance and win against Sussex Sharks Men last Friday at Hove, which was a complete all-round performance and boosted their chances for a quarter-final spot.
Essex sit third in the South Group on 20 points, four points behind Surrey in second and four points ahead of Kent Spitfires in fourth. Hampshire Hawks lead the way, eight points clear of the Eagles on 28 points.
Chris Silverwood has named a 14-player squad for the penultimate Vitality T20 Blast group match.
Captain: James Vince
Overseas: Delano Potgieter (South Africa, until Tristan Stubbs arrives), Tristan Stubbs (South Africa, after IPL), Hilton Cartwright (Australia, all)
Finals Day appearances: 11 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025)
Titles: Three (2010, 2012, 2022)
2025 finish: Runners-up
2025 leading run-scorer: Toby Albert (633)
2025 leading wicket-taker: Scott Currie (27)
Winter moves: Russell Domingo has replaced Adi Birrell in the head coach’s corner, while Benny Howell has departed to Notts Outlaws and semi-final hero Chris Lynn to Northamptonshire Steelbacks. South African middle-order blaster Tristan Stubbs will arrive once his IPL stint is done, likely after two matches, while Hilton Cartwright returns after a brief stint in 2025.
The big question: Can the Vitality Blast revitalise Hampshire’s season? The opening six matches in the Rothesay County Championship have been an unmitigated nightmare for the county. But in T20 cricket, the Hawks are a well-oiled machine, and the Blast’s arrival could jolt everything back into gear and rebuild the confidence of those who need a pick-me-up.
Wildcard watch: Toby Albert. Last year’s Vitality Blast top scorer was surprisingly overlooked at the Hundred Auction. Moved up to open, Albert piled on the runs with six half-centuries and was a key cog in the Hawks reaching the final. If he continues with his ramps, flicks, general power and tidy wicketkeeping, he will be a frontrunner for a Wildcard.
Final thought: Losing last year’s final hurt, but Hampshire haven’t been successful in the Blast by licking their wounds. They will be gunning for revenge and to become the first four-time champions. The squad, as ever, looks finely balanced. You know exactly what you are getting from James Vince, Chris Wood and Liam Dawson and the overseas players have good experience. The likes of Joe Weatherley, Scott Currie and Toby Albert know their roles, while Ben Mayes and Manny Lumsden are raw and ready if called upon.
Essex were beaten by Hampshire Hawks after the hosts posted 200 before securing victory with a disciplined bowling performance.
After choosing to field, Essex reduced Hampshire to 80 for three at the halfway stage, with Charlie Bennett claiming two wickets. Joe Weatherley rebuilt with 64 before Tristan Stubbs accelerated with a powerful 69 from 42 balls. An unbroken partnership with Hilton Cartwright helped Hampshire add 70 runs from the final four overs to finish on 200.
Essex's reply never gathered sustained momentum as early wickets left the visitors under pressure. Luc Benkenstein top-scored with an enterprising 48 from 31 balls, while Simon Harmer struck late sixes, but regular breakthroughs prevented Essex from mounting a serious challenge.
Scott Currie starred with the ball, taking four wickets, as Hampshire claimed victory and handed Essex a 30-run defeat on the road.
Previous Team Lineups
Hampshire Hawks Men: James Vince (C), Toby Albert (WK), Joe Weatherley, Tom Prest, Tristan Stubbs, Hilton Cartwright, James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Scott Currie, Andrew Neal, Chris Wood.
Essex Men: Paul Walter, Michael Pepper (WK), Matt Critchley, Luc Benkenstein, Wiaan Mulder, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (C), Simon Fernandes, Shane Snater, Zum Akhter, Charlie Bennett.
HIGHLIGHTS
Click here for the tournament preview. This gives you an in-depth breakdown into each team the Essex Men will face in the 2026 Vitality T20 Blast campaign: Derbyshire Falcons, Hampshire Hawks, Kent Spitfires, Middlesex, Northamptonshire Steelbacks, Surrey, and Sussex Sharks.
Click here for our Spectator Guide, which contains everything you need to know before your visit to the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground. From matchday information and food & drink options to the Essex Cricket Store, a ground map, FAQs and more, you'll find all the essential information in one place.
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