Match Preview: Middlesex v Hampshire Hawks Men, Vitality Blast

James Vince’s men were narrowly defeated on Sunday in a final over thriller against Somerset. 

The captain made 82 and shared a record third wicket stand for Hampshire against Somerset with Joe Weatherley, who made an unbeaten 60, before Scott Currie picked up another three wickets which included a spectacular caught and bowled to remove Tom Abell. 

Middlesex were defeated by Gloucestershire on Sunday, by nine runs. 

Spinner Zafar Gohar took three wickets but went for 54 from his four overs, and despite 75 from Stevie Eskinazi and 34 from Kane Williamson at the top of the order, the Seaxes failed to chase down their target of 205. 

Middlesex currently sit eighth in the table, whilst Hampshire Hawks are fifth, four points off qualification. 

Hampshire Squad 

Hawks Men have named a 14-player squad for their trip to Middlesex. 

Middlesex 

Captain: Stephen Eskinazi 

Overseas players: Kane Williamson (New Zealand, full competition) and Josh Little (Ireland, full competition) 

Finals Day appearances: One (2008) 

Titles: One (2008) 

2024 finish: Eighth (South Group) 

2025 leading runscorer: Kane Williamson (200) 

2025 leading wicket taker: Tom Helm (15) 

Key winter moves: The signings of a world-class batter in Kane Williamson and left-arm seamer Josh Little, a man with stacks of experience of franchise cricket, is a statement of intent. Last year’s leading run-scorer Martin Andersson has left for Derbyshire and it remains to be seen if another new arrival, Zafar Gohar will form a two-pronged spin attack alongside Luke Hollman. 

The big question: Can Middlesex live up to head coach Richard Johnson’s great expectations? Johnson declared pre-season it was time to move from ‘developing to winning’. Williamson and Little’s presences will help, but youngsters invested in over recent years need to emulate Hollman’s feats from 2024 if the Seaxes are to improve on their record since lifting the trophy in 2008. 

Wildcard watch: Joe Cracknell. The 25-year-old regressed a little last season, when shifted around the order and unable to settle into a specific role. However, whether in the powerplay or as a finisher he’s shown his ability as a big-hitter and a return to his best could see him add to the three appearances made for London Spirit in the inaugural Hundred of 2021. 

Final thought: The only way is up for Middlesex, but their long-suffering supporters have heard that before. Andersson was 41st among tournament runscorers last season while Max Holden’s strike-rate of 160 was strong but he rarely batted long enough. Williamson’s presence should help the pace the innings, which had some good starts but too many collapses. Hollman, fifth in last season’s list of wicket-takers can shine again, while Little’s experience in the powerplay and death overs will be key to any improvement. 

Head-to-Head 

Hampshire Hawks Men’s record in Vitality Blast matches v Middlesex: 

Last five meetings: 

• June 13 2025 | Utilita Bowl | Match Tied 

• July 6 2024 | Radlett | Match abandoned without a ball bowled 

• June 14 2024 | Utilita Bowl | No result 

• June 6 2023 | Radlett | Hampshire Hawks won by five runs  

• May 26 2023 | Utilita Bowl | Hampshire won by eight wickets (with 13 balls remaining) 

Tickets 

Tickets for Hampshire Hawks Men’s Vitality Blast match against Middlesex are available here. 

Coverage 

A live stream will be available for the match and a link to this stream will be available in the at www.utilitabowl.com/cricket, along with a live match centre with the scorecard, statistics and insight available throughout the match. 

Weather Forecast 

Please follow the link to view the latest weather forecast for Utilita Bowl: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/2637487