Match 33 of the Vitality T20 Blast 2025 brings an exciting clash between Kent Spitfires and Hampshire Hawks at the iconic St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury , on Friday evening. This is a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to solidify their positions in the South Group.
While Hampshire have started the tournament with three consecutive wins , sitting comfortably at the top of the table, Kent are struggling , having won just one of their first three matches. With contrasting form lines, this game promises to be a thrilling contest between an in-form bowling-heavy side and a batting-reliant opponent.
Match Details
Details | Information |
---|---|
Match | Kent Spitfires vs Hampshire Hawks |
Date | [Insert Date] |
Venue | St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury |
Time | [Insert Time] IST |
Competition | Vitality T20 Blast 2025 – South Group |
Team Previews
Kent Spitfires Preview
Kent Spitfires have had a mixed start to the Vitality Blast 2025 season. They began with a narrow 4-run win over Gloucestershire but have since struggled, losing to Surrey by 43 runs and drawing against Middlesex due to rain.
Their batting has been inconsistent, with Zak Crawley standing out as the only batter in form, scoring 140 runs in three innings at a strike rate of 171 . Tawanda Muyeye also contributes with aggressive strokeplay, having scored 102 runs so far.
However, the likes of Daniel Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, and captain Sam Billings have failed to fire consistently, leaving too much pressure on the middle order.
In bowling, Grant Stewart has taken 3 wickets in 2 matches , while Matthew Parkinson and Thomas Rogers provide control and variety. However, there’s a lack of a consistent wicket-taking bowler who can dominate games.
If Kent are to make it back into playoff contention, they’ll need better performances across all departments — especially from their senior players.
Hampshire Hawks Preview
Hampshire Hawks have made a flying start to the tournament, winning all three of their completed fixtures and storming to the top of the South Group. Their balanced squad and excellent team coordination have made them one of the standout sides in the competition.
The batting lineup is led by Toby Albert , who has scored 155 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 155 , including two half-centuries. He’s been supported well by skipper James Vince and Dewald Brevis , giving the team a strong foundation and explosive finishing options.
Their bowling attack is arguably the strongest in the group. Scott Currie has impressed with 7 wickets in 3 matches at a tight economy of 6.50 , while John Turner and Chris Wood offer pace, swing, and experience. Bjorn Fortuin adds variation in the middle overs, making this a complete bowling unit.
With momentum firmly on their side, Hampshire will aim to continue their dominant run and strengthen their position at the top of the group.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
Favourite Team | Reason (100 words) |
---|---|
Hampshire Hawks | Flying start to the season with 3 wins from 3; stronger batting and bowling units. Toby Albert in great touch; Scott Currie leading the wicket charts. Kent have struggled to find consistency, especially with the bat. Historical data shows tight contests, but current form clearly favors Hampshire. Their all-round balance and confidence make them firm favorites for this match. |
Fantasy Team XI (with Explanation)
Player Name | Role | Team | Reason |
---|---|---|---|
Toby Albert (vc) | Batter / Wicketkeeper / Vice-Captain | Hampshire | Top scorer; explosive opener and safe fantasy option. |
Scott Currie | Bowler | Hampshire | Leading wicket-taker; economical and effective with the ball. |
Zak Crawley | Batter | Kent | Most consistent batter for Kent; capable of quick starts. |
Tawanda Muyeye | Batter | Kent | Aggressive finisher; good strike rate and impact in short innings. |
James Vince (c) | Batter / Captain | Hampshire | Experienced opener; provides stability and leadership. |
Chris Wood | Bowler | Hampshire | Key pacer; takes early wickets and maintains pressure. |
Joe Denly | Batter | Kent | Dependable middle-order presence; rotates strike well. |
John Turner | Bowler | Hampshire | Smart death bowler; effective in crunch moments. |
Grant Stewart | Bowler | Kent | Valuable all-rounder; contributes with both bat and ball. |
Matthew Parkinson | Bowler | Kent | Control spinner; breaks partnerships and keeps it tight. |
Dewald Brevis | Batter | Hampshire | Finisher; ideal for late-innings acceleration. |
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain : James Vince (HAM) – Stable opener and experienced leader.
- Vice-Captain : Toby Albert (HAM) – In-form batter with high fantasy value.
Players to Avoid in Fantasy Teams
- Sam Billings (KENT) – Struggled to convert starts; inconsistency hurts fantasy value.
- Tom Prest (HAM) – Lacks big scores or impactful bowling recently.
Squads
Kent Spitfires Squad
- Daniel Bell-Drummond
- Zak Crawley
- Tawanda Muyeye
- Joe Denly
- Sam Billings (c & wk)
- Grant Stewart
- Thomas Stewart Rogers
- Fred Klaassen
- Wes Agar
- Jack Leaning
- Matthew Parkinson
Hampshire Hawks Squad
- Toby Albert (wk)
- James Vince (c)
- Tom Prest
- Joe Weatherley
- Dewald Brevis
- James Fuller
- Benny Howell
- Chris Wood
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Scott Currie
- John Turner
Probable Playing XI
Kent Spitfires | Hampshire Hawks |
---|---|
Daniel Bell-Drummond | Toby Albert (wk) |
Zak Crawley | James Vince (c) |
Tawanda Muyeye | Tom Prest |
Joe Denly | Joe Weatherley |
Sam Billings (c & wk) | Dewald Brevis |
Grant Stewart | James Fuller |
Thomas Stewart Rogers | Benny Howell |
Fred Klaassen | Chris Wood |
Wes Agar | Scott Currie |
Matthew Parkinson | John Turner |
Jack Leaning | Bjorn Fortuin |
Pitch Report
- Venue : St Lawrence Ground, Canterbury
- Average First Innings Score : ~175
- Highest Score : 193/7 (by Surrey vs Kent)
- Nature of Pitch : Batting-friendly surface; seamers get early movement under lights. Spinners come into play later.
- Expected Target : 180–190 should be competitive.
- Fielding Advantage : Chasing teams benefit from true bounce and even pace throughout the innings.
Toss Prediction
- Likely Outcome : Even chance for either side to win the toss.
- Decision : Bat first. Historical data suggests batting is easier under lights here; chasing may not be as straightforward due to dew and slower pitch later.
Winner Prediction
Hampshire Hawks are our predicted winners of this Vitality Blast 2025 encounter. They come into the match with three straight wins , a strong batting lineup led by Toby Albert and James Vince , and a disciplined bowling attack featuring Scott Currie, Chris Wood, and John Turner .
Kent, on the other hand, are yet to find rhythm in either department and rely heavily on individual brilliance rather than collective performance.
Back Hampshire Hawks to continue their winning streak in this must-win clash.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available