Excitement Builds as Hampshire Hawks Face Off Against Surrey in Vitality Blast Double Header!
Hampshire Hawks Face Off Against Surrey in Vitality Blast Double Header
Tuesday, June 17 – Utilita Bowl
Gates Open: 2 PM | Women’s Match: 3 PM | Men’s Match: 7 PM
The excitement is palpable as Hampshire Hawks prepare to host their much-anticipated double header against Surrey at the Utilita Bowl. With the Vitality Blast in full swing, cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling day of competitive matches, featuring both the women’s and men’s teams battling it out on the pitch.
Recent Form: A Look at Both Teams
Both Hampshire and Surrey bring intriguing stories and performance from their recent matches leading into this double header. The Hawks Women, despite showing grit and determination, narrowly lost to Birmingham Bears by 14 runs in their last outing. A standout performance came from Daisy Gibb, who turned heads with a triple wicket haul, dismissing three key players in quick succession.
Meanwhile, the Hawks Men are coming off a dramatic tied match against Middlesex. New signing Lhuan-dre Pretorius made an impactful debut, scoring a quick-fire 44 runs off just 22 balls. The test was intense, with Scott Currie managing to hold back Middlesex from achieving the required runs in the last over, resulting in a share of the points.
On the other side, Surrey’s women secured a confident five-wicket victory over Essex, showcasing their dominance with key performances from Tash Farrant and Grace Harris, who combined for the wickets that turned the match in Surrey’s favor. Their men’s team is also riding high after a thrilling four-wicket win against Kent, highlighted by Chris Jordan’s incredible bowling performance, taking four wickets for just 10 runs and sealing the match with a boundary on the final ball.
Squad Updates and Key Players
Hampshire Hawks have prepared meticulously, naming their squads for both matches. The women’s team sees the welcome return of England internationals Lauren Bell and Linsey Smith after their commitments during the West Indies series, although they will need to adjust following Ella McCaughan’s injury and Freya Davies being rested.
| Hampshire Hawks Women’s Squad |
|---|
| Georgia Adams (Capt.), Freya Kemp, Rhianna Southby (†), Lauren Bell, Charli Knott, Megan Sturge (†), Maia Bouchier, Ava Lee, Mary Taylor, Naomi Dattani, Abi Norgrove, Poppy Tulloch, Daisy Gibb, Linsey Smith, Bex Tyson |
The men’s team remains unchanged after a successful match against Middlesex, showing their faith in the current lineup. The squad features prominent players including captain James Vince and newcomer Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
| Hampshire Hawks Men’s Squad |
|---|
| James Vince (Capt.), James Fuller, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (†), Toby Albert (†), Benny Howell, John Turner, Dewald Brevis, Eddie Jack, Joe Weatherley, Scott Currie, Ali Orr (†), Brad Wheal, Liam Dawson, Tom Prest, Chris Wood |
Surrey’s Key Players and Challenges
For Surrey, the women’s team is led by Bryony Smith, who will be relying on the prowess of new signings Grace Harris and Danni Wyatt-Hodge, both known for their explosive batting. The men’s team, captained by Sam Curran, sees international stars like Mitchell Santner making a debut that promises to shake things up as they aim for their first T20 title since 2003.
With the depth in their squads and the potential for explosive performances, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths while working through any key absences from injuries.
Match Details and Ticket Information
The double-header action kicks off with the women’s match starting at 3 PM, followed by the men’s match at 7 PM. Gates open at 2 PM, giving fans a chance to settle in for a full day of cricket action. Tickets for the encounters are available through the official Utilita Bowl website.
For those unable to attend, the matches will be live on Sky Sports, with commentary also provided by BBC Radio Solent for an engaging match-following experience.
Final Thoughts
As the Hampshire Hawks take on Surrey in this critical double header, fans can expect fierce competition, thrilling performances, and the potential for surprising outcomes. With both teams eager to prove their mettle in the Vitality Blast, cricket enthusiasts will want to secure their spots at the Utilita Bowl to witness this exciting showdown.
For the latest weather updates and to check conditions leading up to match day, visit the BBC weather page related to the Utilita Bowl. Let’s relish what promises to be a spectacular day of cricket!
