Hampshire beat Nottinghamshire by 27 runs – T20 Blast Match Report
Hampshire won by 27 runs in the 114th match of 115 in the T20 Blast 2026 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Joe Weatherley produced a masterclass innings of 88 off 58 balls to propel Hampshire to 187 for 3, before James Fuller dismantled Nottinghamshire’s chase with a devastating spell of 4 for 26 from 3.5 overs. The victory keeps Hampshire’s playoff hopes alive at 2nd (8W 5L, 32pts) with a net run rate of 0.283, while Nottinghamshire remain 3rd (8W 5L, 32pts) but slip to a net run rate of 0.169.
Hampshire’s Explosive Batting Display
Nottinghamshire won the toss and elected to bowl, but Hampshire’s batting lineup made them pay immediately. Toby Albert was dismissed for just 4 off 2 balls at 4 for 1 in the opening over, but James Vince steadied the ship with 59 off 43 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes) at a strike rate of 137. Vince’s dismissal at 130 for 2 in the 14th over handed the initiative to Weatherley, who took full advantage.
Weatherley’s 88 off 58 (5 fours, 5 sixes) at a strike rate of 152 was the centrepiece of Hampshire’s innings. He built crucial partnerships, including a 29-run stand with Tristan Stubbs (8 off 8) before Stubbs fell at 159 for 3 in the 17th over. Hilton Cartwright finished unbeaten on 19 off 9 (3 fours) at a strike rate of 211, adding late acceleration to push Hampshire past 185.
Nottinghamshire’s bowling was expensive throughout. Olly Stone conceded 41 runs from 4 overs without taking a wicket, while George Linde went for 29 from just 2 overs. Mohammad Amir took 1 for 31 from 4 overs, and Dillon Pennington claimed 1 for 39 from 4. Benny Howell was the pick of the bowlers with 1 for 21 from 3 overs.
Nottinghamshire’s Chase Falls Short
Joe Clarke provided a spirited counter-attack with 64 off 43 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes) at a strike rate of 149, but he lacked support from the middle order. George Munsey fell for 12 at 15 for 2 in the 2nd over, and Jack Haynes managed just 25 off 21 (1 four, 1 six) before being caught at 100 for 3 in the 11th over.
Tom Moores (9 off 8) fell at 114 for 4 in the 14th over, and Linde departed for 8 at 131 for 5 in the 16th. Howell struck 19 off 11 (2 sixes) at a strike rate of 173 but was bowled at 144 for 6 in the 17th over. The lower order crumbled thereafter – Liam Patterson-White (4 off 5) fell at 148 for 7, Joe Pocklington (8 off 7, 2 fours) was bowled at 155 for 8, and Pennington (0 off 1) was bowled at 148 for 9. Olly Stone (6 off 4, 1 four) was bowled at 160 for 10 in the final over.
Fuller’s 4 for 26 from 3.5 overs was the decisive factor. Chris Wood took 2 for 31 from 4 overs, Scott Currie claimed 2 for 33 from 4 overs, and Sonny Baker took 1 for 28 from 4. Liam Dawson added 1 for 36 from 3 overs.
Statz MVP: Joe Weatherley (Statz Rating: 80.73)
Joe Weatherley earns the Statz MVP award with a rating of 80.73 – the highest of the evening. His 88 off 58 balls set the tone for Hampshire’s total, striking at 152 with 5 fours and 5 sixes. Weatherley’s aggressive approach in the middle overs transformed the match and proved decisive in the final outcome.
Top 5 Statz Ratings
- Joe Weatherley (HAM) – Statz Rating: 80.73 | 88 off 58 (SR 152, 5 fours, 5 sixes) – Explosive middle-order display that set up Hampshire’s total.
- Benny Howell (NOT) – Statz Rating: 76.65 | 19 off 11 (SR 173, 2 sixes) plus 1 for 21 from 3 overs – Solid all-round contribution in defeat.
- Joe Clarke (NOT) – Statz Rating: 73.07 | 64 off 43 (SR 149, 6 fours, 3 sixes) – Fought hard but lacked support from teammates.
- James Fuller (HAM) – Statz Rating: 60.26 | 4 for 26 from 3.5 overs (economy 6.78) – Devastating spell that broke the back of Nottinghamshire’s chase.
- James Vince (HAM) – Statz Rating: 54.62 | 59 off 43 (SR 137, 4 fours, 3 sixes) – Solid platform-building innings in the powerplay and middle overs.
Turning Point
The match turned decisively when Joe Clarke was caught out for 64 at 102 for 1 in the 12th over (ball 12.4). Clarke had been carrying Nottinghamshire’s chase at a strike rate of 149, and his dismissal left the middle order exposed. The subsequent collapse – with wickets falling regularly and the required run rate climbing – handed Hampshire control they never relinquished.
Match Context
This was the 114th match of 115 in the T20 Blast 2026 group stage. Hampshire (2nd, 8W 5L, 32pts, NRR +0.283) keep their playoff hopes alive with a crucial away victory. Nottinghamshire (3rd, 8W 5L, 32pts, NRR +0.169) remain in the frame but see their net run rate slip further behind Hampshire’s. Both sides are now locked on 32 points, but Hampshire’s superior run rate gives them the edge heading into the final round. Check the full scorecard on Statz for the complete breakdown, or explore the bet builder for more detailed analysis.
