The domestic white-ball action shifts to the south coast as Hampshire welcome Nottinghamshire Outlaws to the Utilita Bowl, Southampton. It’s a daytime start at 11:00 AM BST, which is 3:30 PM IST for fans following from India. With both clubs eyeing momentum, expect a hard-fought contest on a surface that usually rewards clean ball striking once the new ball softens.
Form Guide
Hampshire
Hampshire’s white-ball cricket is built on top-order stability and disciplined seam. When they nail the powerplay and death overs, they often control the tempo. Fielding standards are typically high, and the lower order can add handy runs.
- Powerplay intent improving: the top order has been starting briskly and turning strike over well.
- Seamers tightening at the death with fuller lengths and well-disguised pace-off options.
- Middle-overs spin providing control; dot-ball pressure leading to wickets.
Nottinghamshire Outlaws
The Outlaws lean on an aggressive batting blueprint and a varied bowling attack. When the top order fires, they set (or chase) imposing totals; the key is maintaining control during the middle overs with smart match-ups.
- Top-order aggression has translated into above-par powerplay returns.
- Middle-overs consistency still a focus area; partnerships have swung games both ways.
- Death bowling trending sharper with wide yorkers and change-ups to the longer boundary.
Key Players
Hampshire
- James Vince – Classy opener who sets the tempo; strong square of the wicket and adept at pacing chases.
- Liam Dawson – Bankable all-rounder: stifling left-arm spin through the middle and valuable finishing runs.
- John Turner – Hit-the-deck pacer with sharp bounce; a wicket threat up front and at the death.
Nottinghamshire Outlaws
- Alex Hales – Fearless striker in the powerplay; punishes width and turns good starts into match-shaping knocks.
- Ben Duckett – Rapid scorer with 360° options; excellent against pace-off and spin through the middle.
- Calvin Harrison – Wrist-spinner who brings control and wicket-taking threat when batters look to kick on.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Utilita Bowl (Rose Bowl) typically offers true bounce with light grass cover early on. Morning starts can bring a hint of movement for the seamers, especially if there’s cloud overhead, but the surface often flattens as the day wears on. Expect stroke-making to become easier once the ball softens and the outfield quickens. Skippers winning the toss will weigh overheads carefully; batting first to post a platform, or bowling first to exploit any morning nibble, are both viable.
The forecast points to mild conditions with a light breeze. Temperatures should remain comfortable through the afternoon, and unless showers stray in from the coast, a full game is on the cards.
Hampshire vs Nottinghamshire Outlaws – Prediction
This shapes as a tight contest between Hampshire’s structured blueprint and Nottinghamshire’s explosive batting. If James Vince anchors while Liam Dawson controls the middle overs, the hosts can boss the tempo. Conversely, an early surge from Alex Hales and stewardship from Ben Duckett tilts the chase in Outlaws’ favour. On balance, home advantage and a well-drilled attack give Hampshire a slight edge, but the first 10 overs with the new ball should set the tone.
Dream 11 Fantasy Picks
- James Vince (HAM) – Form opener and high floor; safe captaincy choice when batting first.
- Alex Hales (NOT) – Ceiling pick with explosive powerplay value.
- Liam Dawson (HAM) – Dual points threat: economical spells plus handy finishing runs.
