Hampshire Hawks' march to final in their title defense 

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Michael-Kyle Pepper leads with odds of 5.00 to be Essex's top batsman  
• James Vince leads with odds of 3.03 to be Hampshire's top batsman in this game  
• Daniel Sams leads with odds of 4.23 to be the best bowler for Essex Eagles 
• Nathan Ellis leads with odds of 4.32 to be the best bowler for Hampshire Hawks   

MATCH PREVIEW     

Hampshire Hawks have played well in their title defense. Apart from a few misses here and there, the side has been consistent. They would look to extend their four-match winning spree and march into the final for the second time in two years. Essex Eagles face a tough challenge in this game and have a poor record against the Hawks. The side must put its best foot forward to defeat the Hawks.  

Essex Eagles Preview      

Simon Harmer's team put up a strong show against Birmingham Bears. They fought well till the end to win the game by 2 wickets. While it was a good show by the side, the game also exposed the weakness in their middle order. Harmer would expect a more determined show from his team as they take on a side against whom they have won only once in the last six games.  

The side will need a good show from the opening pair of Daniel Lawrence and Adam Rossington, who will face a strong bowling attack. Michael-Kyle Pepper has been the most consistent batsman this season, and he must add runs in the middle order with Feroz Khushi and Paul Walter. The side has firepower down the order, with Matthew Critchley, Daniel Sams, and Harmer on the side.  

A good start with the ball is a must for the side, and they will need early wickets from Daniel Sams and Sam Cook. Harmer and Paul Walter are experienced bowlers and they will have to put their experience to good use. Daniel Lawrence, Critchley, Aaron Beard, and Shane Snater add depth to the bowling and play an important role in this contest.  

Expected Starting XI for Essex Eagles     

Simon Harmer (c), Adam Rossington (wk), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Daniel Lawrence, Feroze Khushi, Matthew Critchley, Paul Walter, Sam Cook, Daniel Sams, Shane Snater, Aaron Beard 

Hampshire Hawks Preview      

James Vince's side has made a grand entry into the semifinal. They played like defending champions in their 5-wicket win against the Worcestershire Rapids. The bowlers bowled splendidly in the game, and the batsmen did the needful. Vince would like his players to take inspiration from their good record against the Essex Eagles and win this game to reach the final.  

James Vince has made 657 runs this season, and he will look to lead from the front and deliver a good start with Ben McDermott. They have a steady middle order and shall like to see Toby Albert, Joe Weatherley, and Ross Whiteley build partnerships. James Fuller, Liam Dawson, and Chris Wood are good finishers who add strength to this team.  

Their bowlers were on top in the last game, and the side will expect the new ball pair of Chris Wood and John Turner to deliver another great performance. Nathan Ellis has picked 22 wickets this season, and he must do well in the middle overs with James Fuller and Benny Howell. The side will expect a good show in the supporting role of Liam Dawson. 

Expected Starting XI for Hampshire Hawks     

James Vince (c), Ben McDermott (wk), Joe Weatherley, Ross Whiteley, James Fuller, Toby Albert, Nathan Ellis, Benny Howell, Liam Dawson, Chris Wood, John Turner 

TOSS: To Bowl First      

In the last few games, we have seen challenging batting conditions at this ground. Putting up a total is never easy, as results have shown. In the event of rain, the side chasing the score has an advantage. Both teams will keep this in their mind, and the side winning the toss may opt to bowl first.   

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

There are rains on the cards at Birmingham, and the skies would remain overcast. It will make the wicket conducive to fast bowling, and batsmen must judge the new ball well. We don't expect it to be a high-scoring encounter, and any score above 170 runs would be a good one on this surface. 

OUR PREDICTION      

Essex Eagles will have two things to worry about in this game. They have a poor record against the Hampshire Hawks, and their middle order hasn't been consistent. They must come up with their best performance of the season to defeat the Hawks. The Hawks have a balanced side, and the top order has done well. It makes them favorites in this game.  

Our Prediction is for Hampshire Hawks to win