Hampshire vs Sussex T20 BLAST 2026 Match 35, Dream 11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricke
Match Preview
The T20 Blast South Division is set to witness another enthralling chapter in its storied rivalry as the Hampshire Hawks prepare to lock horns with the Sussex Sharks. The Vitality Blast 2026 Match 35 is scheduled to take place on June 2, 2026, at 11:30 PM IST at the iconic Rose Bowl in Southampton. Hampshire heads into this fixture with immense confidence, riding a formidable winning streak and holding the critical home-field advantage. Sussex, conversely, remains highly motivated to arrest their recent slide and re-establish their credentials as serious contenders in this tournament.
Hampshire Hawks: Looking to Maintain Dominance
Hampshire is currently on a spectacular run of form, having put together consecutive victories against powerhouse opponents such as Middlesex, Surrey, and Essex. Their batting unit has clicked beautifully at crucial moments. Against Surrey, Liam Dawson showcased his exceptional all-round pedigree by blasting a match-winning 76 runs off just 44 deliveries. In the clash against Essex, Australian recruit Hilton Cartwright displayed his devastating power, smashing a rapid 46 runs from only 21 balls. The top order has also provided swift starts, highlighted by Toby Albert’s explosive cameo of 30 runs off 15 balls against Surrey.
On the bowling front, the Hawks look incredibly balanced and lethal. Seamer Scott Currie has been the standout performer of the campaign, capturing nine wickets in his last four outings, which includes a phenomenal four-wicket haul against Essex and consistent two-wicket returns in his other games. Liam Dawson has complemented the pace attack brilliantly with his defensive left-arm spin, picking up two wickets against Middlesex and playing a vital role in choking the scoring rate against Somerset. Meanwhile, James Fuller continues to act as the ideal death-overs specialist, picking up two wickets against Surrey and one against Middlesex to seal tight games.
Sussex Sharks: Seeking Consistency and Redemption
Sussex has endured a challenging stretch in their recent fixtures, securing just a single victory from their last three matches. Despite these setbacks, their batting lineup possesses immense firepower. Tom Clark has been in breathtaking form, striking a sensational 79 runs off 29 balls against Kent and backing it up with a quickfire 31 off 13 balls against Middlesex. Veteran wicketkeeper-batsman John Simpson also demonstrated his destructive potential with a blistering 63 runs off 23 balls against Essex. Rising star James Coles has been a key pillar, contributing a fine 50 off 29 balls while taking two wickets against Essex, following an impressive preseason where he compiled 62 runs off 40 balls.
The bowling department for Sussex, however, has struggled to maintain sustained pressure despite moments of brilliance. Speedster Tymal Mills was exceptional against Middlesex, picking up three wickets, while the experienced Danny Briggs has been highly reliable, taking at least one wicket in each of his last three games. Henry Crocombe has also shown promise by finding among the wickets in consecutive matches. Nonetheless, the Sharks’ bowling unit will need to tighten up significantly after conceding costly runs during their recent defeats to Kent and Middlesex.
Rose Bowl Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at the Rose Bowl in Southampton is renowned for offering a fair contest between bat and ball. Early in the game, batsmen can exploit the true bounce and speed during the powerplay overs. However, as the match progresses, the surface tends to offer increased grip and turn for the spin bowlers, while medium pacers utilizing cutters will find assistance. A competitive first-innings score is expected to be around the mid-160s, though overhead conditions could make a par score closer to 155.
In terms of weather, localized showers are predicted in the lead-up to the match, which may leave some moisture on the outfield. However, skies are expected to clear up by match time, leaving behind high levels of humidity that could influence ball movement and player stamina.
Toss and Match Prediction
With evening moisture expected to play a role and the pitch offering consistent bounce under lights, chasing is historically the preferred option at the Rose Bowl early in the season. The captain winning the toss is highly likely to opt to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early assistance with the new ball before batting becomes easier under the lights.
Given Hampshire’s current momentum and their dominant displays against Sussex in July 2025—where they secured comfortable victories by 6 wickets and 62 runs respectively—the Hawks hold a distinct advantage. Sussex has the individual match-winners to turn the tide, but their current bowling inconsistencies give Hampshire the edge. We expect Hampshire to secure a hard-fought victory at home.
Probable Playing XIs
Hampshire Playing XI
Toby Albert (wk), James Vince (c), Joe Weatherley, Hilton Cartwright, Tom Prest, Liam Dawson, Tristan Stubbs, James Fuller, Scott Currie, Manny Lumsden, Chris Wood.
Sussex Playing XI
Daniel Hughes, Tom Clark, James Coles, John Simpson (wk), Tom Alsop, Jack Leaning, Danny Lamb, Jack Carson, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Danny Briggs, Tymal Mills (c).
Top Fantasy Picks and Dream11 Strategy
When constructing your fantasy lineup for this fixture, selecting players with consistent all-round contributions and strong recent form is key.
Hampshire Key Fantasy Picks
- James Vince (Captain): The Hampshire skipper remains the cornerstone of their batting department, scoring 113 runs in four innings at an average of 28.25 and a striking rate of 156.94.
- Scott Currie: Currently the primary wicket-taker for the Hawks, Currie has picked up 9 wickets in 4 matches at an extraordinary average of 9.33 and an economy rate of just 5.25.
- Liam Dawson: An invaluable asset in T20 cricket, Dawson has scored 84 runs in two innings at a strike rate of 161.53 while bowling very economically at 6.81 runs per over.
Sussex Key Fantasy Picks
- Tom Clark: The leading run-scorer for the Sharks, Clark has amassed 122 runs in three games at a phenomenal average of 40.66 and an incredible strike rate of 259.57.
- Danny Briggs: The veteran left-arm orthodox spinner has taken three wickets in twelve overs, striking once every 24 deliveries, and is a reliable option to restrict runs in the middle overs.
- James Coles: A highly productive all-rounder who has scored 111 runs at an average of 37 (strike rate of 135.36) and picked up two wickets at an average of 49.5.
