Sussex vs Middlesex Prediction & Match Preview – T20 Blast 2026
Match summary
Sussex take on Middlesex at Hove in the T20 Blast on 30 May 2026. Read our preview with recent form, likely XIs, pitch, weather and scores.
Match details
| Match | Sussex vs Middlesex, 28th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | T20 Blast 2026 |
| Date | 30 May 2026 |
| Start time | 6:00 pm GMT / 7:00 pm local |
| Venue | County Ground, Hove |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | Sussex |
| Toss pick | Sussex |
Matches in this series
Match preview
Sussex host Middlesex at Hove for the 28th match of the 2026 T20 Blast, with both sides arriving off defeats. Sussex lost to Kent despite a bright start, in which Tom Clark smashed 79 off 29 balls with nine fours and six sixes. Zak Crawley, playing with something to prove after missing out on England’s Test plans, helped turn the game Kent’s way.
Sussex will hope Daniel Hughes and James Coles can also give them rapid starts. Tymal Mills, their captain, had an expensive night against Kent but remains a major threat, and Coles and Henry Crocombe have been consistent with the ball.
Middlesex’s problems were with the bat in their previous game against Surrey. They made 143/8 at Lord’s and Surrey chased it with six wickets and nine balls to spare. Eathan Bosch, at number eight, was the only Middlesex batter to clear the rope, which highlights how much power-hitting they lack. Tom Helm bowled well, taking 2/24, and Luke Hollman and Noah Cornwell have been economical. Middlesex will need to be better with both bat and ball to trouble Sussex at Hove.
Hove is expected to produce a balanced contest. The true bounce and quick outfield suit stroke play once batters are set, while coastal conditions can give the seamers some early movement in the powerplay. The surface may slow later, bringing spinners and change-of-pace bowlers into the game. A first-innings total of 160–175 should be competitive, and 180 or more could be hard to chase.
Pleasant conditions are forecast for the 7:00 pm local start, with temperatures around 21°C and partly cloudy skies. There is only a slight chance of rain and gentle south-westerly winds may help the seamers a little, so a full match looks likely.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 170–185 | – |
| Second innings | 155–170 | – |
Sussex
Sussex have the stronger batting, with Tom Clark in good touch, while Middlesex are still searching for power-hitting after a modest total at Lord’s.
Toss pick: Sussex
FAQ
Where is Sussex vs Middlesex being played?
The 28th match of the T20 Blast 2026 is at the County Ground in Hove, with a 7:00 pm local start on 30 May.
What is a competitive total at Hove?
Around 175 is a strong first-innings score, and 180 or more can be match-defining.
Who are the key bowlers to watch?
Tymal Mills, James Coles and Henry Crocombe for Sussex, and Tom Helm, Luke Hollman and Noah Cornwell for Middlesex.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
Sussex
- Daniel Hughes
- Tom Clark
- James Coles
- John Simpsonwk
- Tom Alsop
- Jack Leaning
- Danny Lamb
- Fynn Hudson-Prentice
- Danny Briggs
- Henry Crocombe
- Tymal Millsc
Middlesex
- Max Holden
- Adam Rossingtonwk
- Joshua De Caires
- Leus du Plooyc
- Caleb Falconer
- Ryan Higgins
- Luke Hollman
- Eathan Bosch
- Tom Helm
- Zafar Gohar
- Noah Cornwell