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Hampshire vs Sussex T20 BLAST 2026 Match 35, Dream 11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricke: Complete Preview & Top Picks

Sanjaya Mendis · · 8 min read
hampshire vs sussex match 35 02 06 2026

Hampshire vs Sussex T20 BLAST 2026 Match 35: A Southern Derby Showdown

The T20 Blast South Division is set for another thrilling chapter as the Hampshire Hawks prepare to host the Sussex Sharks in Match 35 of the 2026 season. Cricket enthusiasts can anticipate a fiercely contested battle when these two regional rivals clash on June 2nd. The much-anticipated game is scheduled to commence at 11:30 PM IST at the iconic Rose Bowl in Southampton.

Hampshire enters this crucial T20 Blast encounter against their rivals, the Sussex Sharks, brimming with confidence. Their recent performances have been nothing short of dominant, securing a valuable winning streak that places them in a strong position. Adding to their advantage is the benefit of playing on their home turf at the Rose Bowl, a venue where they traditionally excel and are expected to leverage the familiar conditions to their benefit. This home-field advantage could be a significant factor in their pursuit of another victory.

Sussex, on the other hand, will be determined to secure a vital victory and reignite their campaign. The Sharks have demonstrated flashes of brilliance in recent games against Hampshire, which could provide them with the psychological edge needed to challenge the in-form Hawks. Both teams possess a blend of explosive batsmen and strategic bowlers, setting the stage for an unpredictable and high-octane contest.

Hampshire Hawks: Soaring High with Momentum

The Hampshire Hawks are currently on a roll, having racked up impressive wins against formidable opponents such as Middlesex, Surrey, and Essex. This string of victories has significantly boosted their morale and solidified their position in the standings.

Key Performances:

  • Liam Dawson: Against Surrey, Dawson was a standout performer, smashing a scintillating 76 runs off just 44 balls, showcasing his ability to accelerate the scoring rate. He also played a crucial role with the ball in the win over Somerset and grabbed two wickets against Middlesex.
  • Hilton Cartwright: Displayed his power-hitting capabilities with a quick-fire 46 runs from just 21 balls against Essex, providing vital late-innings impetus.
  • Toby Albert: The top order has consistently stepped up, with Albert contributing a brisk 30 runs from 15 balls against Surrey, ensuring strong starts.

Hampshire’s offense appears robust and well-rounded, with contributions coming from various batsmen. Their bowling attack has been equally potent:

  • Scott Currie: Has been in sensational form, claiming nine wickets in his last four games. This included an outstanding four-wicket haul against Essex and two wickets in each of the other matches, making him a consistent threat.
  • James Fuller: Has provided crucial breakthroughs, grabbing two wickets against Surrey and one against Middlesex, particularly excelling in the high-pressure final overs.
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Sussex Sharks: Battling for Consistency

The Sussex Sharks have endured a somewhat challenging period recently, managing only one win in their last three outings. Despite this, individual brilliance has kept them competitive.

Key Performances:

  • Tom Clark: Has been a shining light for Sussex, with an explosive 79 runs from just 29 balls against Kent, followed by a quick 31 runs from 13 balls against Middlesex.
  • John Simpson: Made a solid contribution with 63 runs from 23 balls against Essex, demonstrating his ability to score rapidly.
  • James Coles: Stood out with an all-round performance, scoring 50 runs from 29 balls and taking two wickets in the crucial win over Essex. He also registered 62 runs from 40 balls in the preseason.

While Sussex’s bowling unit has shown flashes of brilliance, it has struggled to maintain momentum throughout the matches.

  • Tymal Mills: A key pace option, Mills took three wickets against Middlesex, showcasing his wicket-taking prowess.
  • Danny Briggs: The experienced spinner has been consistent, managing to grab at least one wicket in each of the last three games.
  • Henry Crocombe: Picked up wickets in two consecutive matches, but unfortunately, the bowling unit collectively allowed crucial runs to slip away in their losses to Kent and Middlesex.

Pitch Report & Venue Analysis: The Rose Bowl, Southampton

The pitch at the Rose Bowl typically offers a good balance between bat and ball. As the match progresses, it tends to provide enhanced bounce and grip, particularly benefiting spin bowlers. Experts anticipate a competitive target in the mid-160s, with some runs available during the power play before the cutters and spin bowlers begin to assert their dominance and slow down the scoring rate in the middle overs.

The Rose Bowl has been the stage for many memorable T20 encounters over the years. This match promises to be another exciting contest, especially with the ball likely having a significant say due to the overhead conditions predicted. A par score at this venue is generally considered to be no higher than 155, suggesting that bowlers will play a crucial role in restricting opposition totals.

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Toss & Weather Prediction

At The Rose Bowl, chasing often feels more secure, particularly in the early part of the season, thanks to the evening moisture and consistent bounce that can assist the team batting second. Therefore, the team that wins the toss is widely expected to choose to bowl first, aiming to take advantage of the new ball under the lights and assess the target.

The weather forecast indicates the possibility of some showers in the area leading up to the game. However, it is expected to clear up as the match unfolds, providing suitable playing conditions. High humidity is anticipated to linger throughout the evening, which could further aid swing bowlers early on and make fielding a challenge.

Head-to-Head Rivalry

In their historical T20 Blast encounters, Sussex currently holds a slight edge over Hampshire, leading the rivalry with three wins out of five matchups. However, Hampshire has recently demonstrated a shift in momentum, securing two back-to-back victories against the Sharks. These recent wins, by margins of 6 wickets and 62 runs, highlight Hampshire’s current ascendancy. This matchup has seen its fair share of close contests, with Sussex initially taking the lead before Hampshire’s recent comeback has tightened things up considerably, making this upcoming game even more compelling.

Match Prediction: Hampshire to Continue Dominance

Considering Hampshire’s dominant form, especially their comprehensive victories over Sussex in July 2025 (winning by 62 runs and six wickets), the Hawks are strongly favored to have the upper hand against a Sussex side that has shown some struggles for consistency. With home-field advantage and a team in peak performance, Hampshire is well-positioned to secure another victory.

We are backing Hampshire to win this contest convincingly.

Betting Tips

Analysts anticipate Hampshire to maintain their winning momentum at home against a talented yet somewhat unpredictable Sussex team. The hosts boast several in-form batsmen who have consistently delivered runs, complemented by a dependable seam attack spearheaded by the impressive Scott Currie.

While Sussex possesses players capable of turning the game on its head with individual brilliance, their recent struggles in the bowling department might prove to be a crucial factor in this encounter. We predict Hampshire will secure a narrow yet decisive win in what is expected to be a competitive match.

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Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on Scott Currie as Hampshire’s standout bowler. His impressive tally of 9 wickets in the last four games makes him a prime candidate for top bowler bets.

Bet on Hampshire to win.

Probable Playing XI

Hampshire Hawks 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 Sharks 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: Dream11 Prediction

For those building their fantasy cricket teams, here are some key players whose recent form and potential impact make them excellent choices:

Hampshire Key Players

  • James Vince (Captain): Leading from the front, Vince has been Hampshire’s top scorer this season with 113 runs in four games at an average of 28.25 and a striking rate of 156.94. His consistency at the top makes him a reliable fantasy pick.
  • Scott Currie: As the Hampshire Hawks’ most successful wicket-taker, Currie has claimed nine wickets in just four games. His average of 9.33 runs per wicket and an economy rate of 5.25 runs per over highlight his effectiveness in picking up crucial breakthroughs.
  • Liam Dawson: The experienced all-rounder has been exceptionally economical with the ball, averaging just 6.81 runs per over this season. With the bat, he has scored 84 runs in two innings at an impressive strike rate of 161.53, offering valuable points in both departments.

Sussex Key Players

  • Tom Clark: The leading scorer for the Sussex Sharks, Clark has accumulated 122 runs in three games at a phenomenal average of 40.66 and an explosive strike rate of 259.57. His ability to score big quickly makes him a high-impact fantasy option.
  • Danny Briggs: The left-arm orthodox bowler is Sussex’s most successful wicket-taker, with three wickets from twelve overs. His ability to pick up a wicket every 24 balls makes him a consistent threat in the middle overs.
  • James Coles: An impressive all-rounder, Coles has scored 111 runs with an average of 37 and a strike rate of 135.36. He has also contributed significantly with the ball, taking two wickets at a rate of 49.5, providing points across categories.
Sanjaya Mendis

Sanjaya Mendis is a senior cricket writer for the Daily Mirror, and one of the most perceptive voices covering Sri Lankan cricket today. A University of Colombo journalism graduate, he began his career reporting on the island’s fiercely competitive school cricket circuit before graduating to the international beat. Sanjaya is especially known for his detailed breakdowns of spin bowling—a craft he understands intimately—and his ability to contextualise performances within Sri Lanka’s rich cricketing history. He has reported from Lanka Premier League seasons, bilateral series, and ICC tournaments, always with an eye for the human story behind the statistics. His award-winning features have taken him from the nets of Kalutara to the commentary boxes of Colombo, earning him a loyal readership. Sanjaya remains deeply committed to championing emerging talent and ensuring that the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers gets the recognition they deserve.