HAM vs MID Team Previews
Hampshire
Hampshire had a decent start to the competition, but ever since Mason Crane got injured, Hampshire lost all the momentum they had. They are hanging by thinnest of threads as far as qualification for the next round is concerned. Although the net run rate won't be a big concern for them, they still would need to win both their remaining fixtures and hope for the other results to go their way to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Coming from behind in their previous match, they managed to salvage a tie by hitting 41 runs in the final three overs. In case they manage to win their remaining two fixtures, this tie could prove to be a pivotal result as far as their fate in the tournament is concerned.
On the whole, their batting has struggled in the tournament so far, but Sam Northeast's splendid knock of 73 should imbibe at least a bit of confidence amongst their players. On paper, they have a reasonably well-balanced unit consisting of James Vince, Rilee Rossouw, and Sam Northeast, but lack of consistent performances and inability to thrive under pressure has cost them matches on numerous occasions.
Unlike their batting, their bowling has done a reasonable job with the likes of Kyle Abbott, Chris Morris, and Liam Dawson contributing consistently. Additionally, Hampshire have a terrific record over Middlesex in the last five matches, winning four of them, which should give a massive boost to their confidence.
Hampshire Playing 11
Aneurin Donald, J Vince, Rilee Rossouw, Sam Northeast, LA Dawson, James Fuller, Lewis McManus, Tabraiz Shamsi, KY Abbott, Mason Crane, CP Wood.
Middlesex
Just a week ago, Middlesex were the prime candidates to qualify for the quarter-finals, but a couple of back to back defeats has undoubtedly hurt their chances to be eligible for the next round. They currently stand at the fifth spot at the points table and would need to win both of their two remaining fixtures to ascertain their place in the playoffs. Their superb net run rate of +0.206 certainly gives them an advantage, which could come in handy in case they manage to win only one match from their remaining two and things get tighter.
In the last match, against the table-toppers Sussex Sharks, Middlesex batted reasonably well and racked up 171 runs in 20 overs. While the total was pretty good, particularly on that surface, the bowlers failed to execute their plans and gave away too many runs early in the innings. Toby Roland Jones being hit for 34 runs in his two overs was probably the turning point of the match after which the Panthers never looked like defending that total.
AB de Villiers had a significant role to play for Middlesex Panthers in the earlier part of the tournament, and with him returning to play the final two league fixtures, the Panthers' batting unit looks as strong as it ever was. AB de Villiers has been fantastic in the tournament so far and has the highest batting average, of 84.33, in this year's T20 Blast. The presence of Dawid Malan and Eoin Morgan in their lineup will only make things difficult for their opponents' bowlers.
Middlesex Playing 11
PR Stirling, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Hafeez, John Simpson, Toby Roland-Jones, George Scott, Thomas Helm, Nathan Sowter, ST Finn.
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