Vitality T20 Blast 2019: South Group, Hampshire vs Middlesex: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The South Group game in the Vitality T20 Blast 2019 will be played between Hampshire and Middlesex at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (11:00 PM IST) (5:30 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Hampshire County Cricket Club’s YouTube Channel.

Preview:

Hampshire will host Middlesex in a crucial South Group match on Thursday. Hampshire are currently No.7 in the South Group having won four matches and have 11 points from 12 matches. They need to win their remaining two matches by big margins. At the same time, they have to expect other teams to lose. Hampshire might go down due to the number of wins as they got three points via two washouts and a Tie.

Middlesex, on the other hand, gets back the services of AB de Villiers at a crucial juncture. They need to win at least one of their remaining two matches. Back to back losses pushed down Middlesex to No.5. The Dawid Malan-led team currently have 13 points from 12 matches thanks to six victories. Mohammad Hafeez remains with the team as a cover for Mujeeb-ur-Rahman who left for National duty.

Weather Condition/Report:

Clear weather is expected for the game at the Rose Bowl between Hampshire and Hampshire. The weather forecast suggested no chances of rain during the match timings. However, there could be showers towards the end of the game but might not interrupt the play.

Pitch Condition/Report:

Southampton has been on the slower side whole season. The three completed matches in the T20 Blast this year haven’t produced a 150+ total. Even the totals of 140 were tough to chase. The team winning the toss will surely elect to bat first and aim anything over 150.

Average first innings score: 137 (T20 Blast matches in 2019)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 1, Lost – 1, Tied – 1

Injury and Availability News:

AB de Villiers returns for the remainder of the season.

Mason Crane is recovering from a side strain and hence might not play this game.

Probable Playing XIs:

Hampshire:

Aneurin Donald, Rilee Rossouw, James Vince (C), Sam Northeast, Liam Dawson, Chris Morris, James Fuller, Lewis McManus (WK), Kyle Abbott, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Wood.

Bench: Tom Alsop, Ian Holland, Ryan Stevenson, Mason Crane.

Middlesex:

Dawid Malan (C), Paul Stirling, Stephen Eskinazi, AB de Villiers, Eoin Morgan, Mohammad Hafeez, John Simpson (WK), Tom Helm, Toby Roland-Jones, Steven Finn, Nathan Sowter.

Bench: Tom Barber, George Scott, James Harris.

Top Picks:

AB de Villiers struck big every time he made a comeback after a break since his International retirement. Sam Northeast is fresh of a 73-run knock against Essex and is a safe option in tricky conditions for batting. The spin all-rounders would work well on a slow track in Southampton.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain – Liam Dawson, AB de Villiers, Mohammad Hafeez, Dawid Malan

Vice-captain – Eoin Morgan, James Vince, Toby Roland-Jones, Chris Morris

Mohammad Hafeez has scored 82 runs in two matches thus far. He could find familiar conditions in Southampton where spinners are expected to be key.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Lewis McManus

Batsmen – AB de Villiers (C), James Vince, Dawid Malan, Aneurin Donald

All-Rounders – Mohammad Hafeez, Liam Dawson (VC)

Bowlers – Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Wood, Steven Finn, Nathan Sowter

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – John Simpson

Batsmen – Sam Northeast (VC), Eoin Morgan, Rilee Rossouw

All-Rounders – Liam Dawson, Chris Morris, Paul Stirling, Mohammad Hafeez (C)

Bowlers – Nathan Sowter, Kyle Abbott, Chris Wood

Expert Advice:

The top-order of Hampshire have struggled in the whole tournament. On the other hand, AB de Villiers costs 11 credits. He would hamper selection of the all-rounders who cost 9+ credits and trustworthy in Southampton.

Probable Winners:

Middlesex is expected to edge past Hampshire.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.