Match Preview: Hampshire Hawks v Sussex Sharks (Southampton)
The El Clasicoast of the 2022 T20 Blast is back with the clash between Hampshire Hawks and Sussex Sharks. The crucial T20 Vitality Blast will occur at The Rose Bowl in Southampton
Ben McDermottHampshire is yet to open their account in this year’s T20 Blast as the team is on a devastating four-match losing streak. Sitting at the bottom of the South Group, they will look to bring tactical changes to keep their team in contention before they lose grip on the tournament. They will hope to end their losing streak on their home ground.
On the other hand, Sussex has managed three wins out of the five matches played. With six points, the team is placed fourth in the points table. They would focus on maintaining their winning momentum after having a struggling start in the tournament. Sussex defeated Middlesex by five wickets by D/L Method yesterday.
Pitch Report
The surface at Rose Bowl offers a batting-friendly surface, and thus in both the innings, batters are likely to find an edge over bowlers. However, the pacers can dig some advantage with the new ball in powerplay overs.
Key Players
Obed McCoy (Sussex)
The bowler had a good outing in IPL while playing for Rajasthan Royals. He started the Blast season with a five-wicket haul against Somerset at an economy of 8.25. In the previous match against Middlesex, the bowler scalped four wickets, conceding 30 runs. He is in hot form and will look to continue his magic spells in this tournament, along with wickets.
Ben McDermott (Hampshire)
Australian overseas star Ben McDermott has consistently looked to fire and play big with the bat. He has so far scored 96 runs in four matches. In the previous game against Surrey, the opener scored 29 off 12 showing his willingness to attack and dominate the bowlers. He played at a phenomenal strike rate of over 241.66. The match in which he finds form back enough to pull a long inning can put Hampshire back on track.
Sussex will be favourites to win the match as they are carrying a winning momentum and have formed quite a solid playing XI, whereas there is a spark of revival for Hampshire. Will Hampshire return as underdogs to win the match? The El Clasicoast will be worth watching!
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