HAM vs ESS Dream11 Prediction, Match 18, T20 Blast Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Updates

HAM vs ESS Dream11 Prediction, Match 18, T20 Blast Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Updates

Hampshire is set to face Essex in the 18th match of the T20 Blast 2026 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Tuesday, May 26.

Preview

In the 18th match of the T20 Blast 2026, Hampshire (HAM) will face Essex (ESS). Hampshire entered the tournament as one of the favourites after reaching the final last season, but they suffered a disappointing start to their campaign with a seven-wicket defeat against Somerset. Batting first, Hampshire were bowled out for 158 runs, with captain James Vince playing a fighting knock of 58 runs. However, their bowling attack failed to defend the target as Somerset chased it down comfortably in just 16 overs.

Similarly, Essex also started their season with a defeat against Sussex by six wickets. Essex batted first and posted a competitive total of 191 runs in 20 overs. Paul Walter and Michael-Kyle Pepper impressed with the bat, but their bowling unit struggled badly as Sussex chased the target in only 16 overs.

Both teams shared one win each in their two meetings last season, and fans can expect another exciting contest. Hampshire have strengthened their squad with the addition of Tristan Stubbs, who replaces Delano Potgieter for this season.

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Match Information

Hampshire vs Essex, Match 18
Vitality Blast, 26 May 2026, Tuesday, 11:30 PM IST
Venue: Southampton

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Probable Playing XI

Hampshire

Toby Albert, James Vince (C), Joe Weatherley, Hilton Cartwright, Tristan Stubbs, Tom Prest, James Fuller, Liam Dawson, Scott Currie, Mason Lumsden, Chris Wood

Bench: Ben Brown, Brad Wheal, Nick Gubbins, Fletcha Middleton, Ali Orr, Jake Lehmann, Felix Organ, Kyle Abbott, Sonny Baker, John Turner

Essex

Wiaan Mulder, Charlie Bennett, Paul Walter, Matt Critchley, Luke Benkenstein, Noah Thain, Simon Harmer (C), Michael-Kyle Pepper, Simon Fernandes, Shane Snater, Zaman Akhter

Bench: Jordan Cox, Dean Elgar, Robin Das, Tom Westley, Samuel Cook, Jamie Porter, Mackenzie Jones

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Injury News: There are no major injury concerns from either side at the moment.

Weather Report: The weather in Southampton is expected to remain clear during the match.

Win Prediction: Hampshire

Pitch Condition: Balanced

Avg 1st Innings Score: 180

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Pitch Report

The Rose Bowl pitch is generally considered an excellent batting surface with true bounce and good pace. Fast bowlers may get some early swing with the new ball, but once batters settle in, stroke-making becomes easier. Teams winning the toss usually prefer to bat first and post a challenging total.

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Captain Picks

James Vince (HAM)

James Vince is one of the most reliable T20 batters in England cricket. He scored 58 runs in the previous match and remains the best captaincy choice for fantasy teams.

Paul Walter (ESS)

Paul Walter played an excellent innings of 58 runs in the opening game. His all-round ability makes him a valuable vice-captain option.

Top Picks

Luke Benkenstein (ESS)

Luke Benkenstein contributed with both bat and ball in the previous game. He scored 36 runs and also picked up a wicket.

Michael-Kyle Pepper (ESS)

Michael Pepper looked in brilliant touch in the last match, scoring 52 runs off just 34 balls with aggressive stroke play.

Budget Picks

Toby Albert (HAM)

Toby Albert is a talented young batter who can provide important fantasy points at a budget price.

Scott Currie (HAM)

Scott Currie bowled well in the previous match and picked up two wickets at an economy rate below seven.

Avoid Players

Ben Brown (HAM)

Ben Brown may not get enough opportunities to make a strong fantasy impact in this game.

Ali Orr (HAM)

Ali Orr has struggled for consistency recently and can be avoided for this contest.

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HAM vs ESS Dream11 Team – Head To Head

Wicketkeeper:
Michael-Kyle Pepper

Batters:
James Vince, Tristan Stubbs

All-rounders:
Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Luke Benkenstein, Matt Critchley, Simon Harmer, Paul Walter

Bowlers:
Scott Currie, Shane Snater

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HAM vs ESS Dream11 Team – Mega League

Wicketkeepers:
Michael-Kyle Pepper

Batters:
Joe Weatherley, Tristan Stubbs, Toby Albert

All-rounders:
Liam Dawson, James Fuller, Matt Critchley, Simon Harmer, Paul Walter

Bowlers:
Scott Currie, Samuel Cook

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HAM vs ESS Match Prediction

Hampshire look slightly stronger due to their experienced batting lineup and home advantage. However, Essex have quality all-rounders who can change the game quickly. Fans can expect a competitive match at Southampton.

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FAQs

Who will win today’s HAM vs ESS match?

Hampshire are favourites to win this match.

What is the best captain pick for HAM vs ESS Dream11?

James Vince is the best captaincy option for this fantasy match.

What is the pitch report for HAM vs ESS Match 18?

The Rose Bowl pitch offers a balanced contest with assistance for both batters and fast bowlers.

Which players should be avoided in HAM vs ESS Dream11 team?

Ben Brown and Ali Orr can be avoided for this fantasy contest.