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Sussex vs Leicestershire T20 BLAST 2026 Match 43, Dream 11 Prediction, Fantasy C

Devansh Cox · · 8 min read
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T20 Blast 2026: Sussex Sharks vs Leicestershire Foxes – Match 43 Preview

The T20 Blast 2026 is in full swing, and with the standings beginning to take definitive shape, every match holds significant weight. The 43rd game of the season will feature an intriguing encounter between the Sussex Sharks and the Leicestershire Foxes. This pivotal match is scheduled for June 5th, with an 11:30 PM IST start, at the County Ground in Hove.

The Sussex Sharks have endured a challenging start to their campaign, struggling to find consistency. With just one victory and three losses from their initial four games, they head into this fixture on the back of three consecutive defeats. However, the Sharks will benefit from the crucial home-field advantage at Hove, a factor that could prove instrumental in turning their fortunes around. Their batting lineup features promising talents such as James Coles, who has amassed 113 runs across four innings at an average of 28.25, and John Simpson, contributing 93 runs in four innings with an average of 23.25. On the bowling front, Danny Briggs has been a consistent performer, claiming four wickets in four innings at an average of 33.25.

In contrast, the Leicestershire Foxes experienced a rocky start to the tournament, suffering two initial losses. However, they have recently found their rhythm, securing a much-needed win that broke their losing streak. Now with one win and three losses from their four matches, Leicestershire will be eager to extend their winning momentum against Sussex. Their batting unit is bolstered by players like Nick Kelly, who has scored 119 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 39.66, and Ben Cox, with 94 runs in four innings at an average of 31.33. Leading their bowling attack, Liam Trevaskis has also picked up four wickets in four innings, maintaining an average of 26.

Match Preview: In-Depth Analysis

Sussex Sharks

Captain Tymal Mills faces a critical juncture in the season. Despite a winning start, the Sharks have since faltered, enduring three successive losses. Their most recent outing saw them defeated by the Hampshire Hawks by 29 runs, a match where their batting department conspicuously struggled. This upcoming home match is paramount for Sussex; they are determined to halt their losing streak at home and make a resounding comeback.

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The return of Tom Clark to the lineup is a significant boost for Sussex. Having scored 122 runs in three games, Clark will be crucial in forging a strong opening partnership with Daniel Hughes. Harrison Ward’s commendable performance in the previous game sets the stage for him to build vital partnerships with James Coles and John Simpson in the middle order. The team will also rely on Tom Alsop and Tom Price to provide crucial impetus in the lower middle order.

Sussex’s bowling attack has displayed flashes of brilliance. Tymal Mills, as captain and spearhead, will need to lead from the front, working in tandem with James Coles to secure early breakthroughs. While Henry Crocombe has proven somewhat expensive this season, both he and Tom Price are tasked with delivering strong performances during the crucial middle overs. The experienced duo of Danny Briggs and Danny Lamb will be vital in their supporting roles, offering control and wicket-taking options.

Leicestershire Foxes

After enduring three challenging losses, captain Ben Green and his squad finally savored a victory, triumphing over the Lancashire Lightning in a tense, low-scoring affair. This season has been a test of resilience for the Foxes, and Green is optimistic that this hard-fought win will inject fresh motivation and energy into the team for their subsequent matches.

Leicestershire’s batting unit has shown some inconsistency this season, collectively managing only 143 runs in their last outing. It is imperative for Stephen Eskinazi and Ben Mike to find their rhythm and provide a robust start at the top. Rishi Patel is a linchpin in their offense and must step up in the middle order alongside Nick Kelly and Ashton Turner. Quick and impactful runs from Ben Cox and Ben Green in the lower middle order will be indispensable for the team’s total.

On the bowling front, Liam Trevaskis made a significant impact in the last game, claiming two wickets at an excellent economy rate of 5.00. He, along with Josh Davey, will be instrumental in securing early wickets. Ian Holland’s solid performance in the previous match needs to be maintained in the middle overs, supported by Ben Green. Furthermore, the team will look for strong contributions in supporting roles from Ashton Turner and Ben Mike.

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Pitch Report: County Ground, Hove

The County Ground in Hove is known for being a relatively spacious stadium, which often makes it challenging for batsmen to effortlessly clear the boundaries. The pitch typically favors fast bowlers, offering both pace and bounce that can put batsmen under considerable pressure. While spinners might not enjoy the same level of success as pacers, the slower pace of the pitch can still work to their advantage, encouraging variations and clever deliveries. Last season, the average first-innings score at this venue was 179 runs, indicating that any team batting first will likely aim for a target of at least 200 runs to feel secure and competitive.

Toss Prediction

Analysis of this season’s matches at Hove suggests that the pitch has generally been on the slower side, compelling batsmen to adapt their approach. Teams chasing a target have consistently held an advantage here. Given this trend, both captains will undoubtedly factor this into their decision-making process during the coin toss. It is highly anticipated that the winning captain will elect to bowl first in this critical encounter.

Weather Report

The forecast for Hove indicates partly cloudy skies, conditions that are generally considered favorable for bowlers. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 16°C (61°F), with humidity levels hovering around 68%. These conditions could assist seam and swing bowlers, adding another layer of challenge for the batsmen.

Head to Head

Given their geographical locations within different regional groups in the Vitality Blast, the Sussex Sharks and the Leicestershire Foxes have remarkably never previously faced each other in this tournament. This match will mark their inaugural encounter, adding an element of unpredictability and fresh rivalry to the fixture.

Match Prediction

While the Leicestershire Foxes secured a morale-boosting victory in their last outing, concerns persist regarding the consistency of their top order. Their initial three batsmen have struggled to find their rhythm reliably this season, and their impactful contributions will be crucial if Leicestershire aims to clinch another win. Conversely, the Sussex Sharks boast a more robust and settled batting lineup, coupled with a deep familiarity with the home conditions at the County Ground in Hove. Although the match is poised to be a closely contested battle, the Sussex Sharks appear to hold a slight, yet discernible, advantage given their strengths. We predict the Sussex Sharks will emerge victorious in this encounter.

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Probable Playing XI

Sussex Playing XI

  • Tymal Mills (c)
  • Daniel Hughes
  • Tom Clark
  • Harrison Ward
  • James Coles
  • John Simpson (wk)
  • Tom Alsop
  • Tom Price
  • Danny Lamb
  • Danny Briggs
  • Henry Crocombe

Leicestershire Playing XI

  • Ben Green (c)
  • Stephen Eskinazi
  • Ben Mike
  • Rishi Patel
  • Nick Kelly
  • Ashton Turner
  • Ben Cox (wk)
  • Liam Trevaskis
  • Ian Holland
  • Josh Davey
  • Soloman Budinger

Top Fantasy Picks: Dream11 Prediction

Sussex Key Players

  • Tom Clark: The Sussex Sharks’ leading run-scorer, Tom Clark has been in exceptional form, accumulating 122 runs in just three games. His average of 40.66 runs per wicket and an astonishing strike rate of 259.57 make him a top-tier fantasy pick.
  • Tymal Mills: As the Sussex Sharks’ premier bowler, Tymal Mills has consistently delivered, securing five wickets in his four appearances. His bowling average of 26.4 runs per wicket and an impressive strike rate of a wicket every 18.4 balls highlight his ability to break partnerships.
  • Daniel Hughes: The Australian batsman is renowned for providing rapid starts for the Sussex Sharks. In four innings, he has scored 115 runs, averaging 28.75 runs per wicket with a strike rate of 143.75, making him a valuable asset for fantasy teams.

Leicestershire Key Players

  • Nick Kelly: This left-handed New Zealander has proven to be a vital addition to the Leicestershire Foxes. With 119 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 39.66, Kelly anchors the batting lineup effectively, despite his high batting average being a bit misleading in typical cricket stats.
  • Ashton Turner: Ashton Turner has been a standout all-rounder for the Leicestershire Foxes this season. He is their top scorer with 124 runs in four games, averaging 31 with an explosive batting average of 182.35. Additionally, he has contributed with the ball, taking three wickets at an average of 23.66.
  • Josh Davey: Josh Davey has emerged as Leicestershire’s most potent bowler. In just three games, he has claimed five wickets, boasting an excellent average of 14.2 runs per wicket and an impressive strike rate, picking up a wicket every 9.6 balls.
Devansh Cox

Devansh Cox is the chief cricket writer for Dawn, Pakistan's leading English-language daily, where he covers the national team, the Pakistan Super League, and the socio-political undercurrents of the sport. With a family heritage tracing back to the British Raj and strong ties to the UK, Cox brings a unique cross-cultural lens to his reporting, often examining the experiences of South Asian cricketers in English county circuits. A Karachi native, he is known for his technical analysis of fast bowling and his deep access to team insiders. His work has been cited by the ICC and the BBC, and he is a regular guest on Test Match Special’s Pakistan coverage.