SUS vs KEN Match Prediction, T20 Blast 2026

Sussex return to The 1st Central County Ground in Hove needing a response after back-to-back losses. The hosts were beaten by Hampshire and Middlesex, and also fell to Kent earlier in the campaign, so momentum is the first target.

Kent arrive with confidence after brushing aside Surrey by eight wickets. Their recent run features three wins in four this season, including a seven-wicket win over Sussex, which frames this as a pivotal South Group clash.

Sussex vs Kent Head-to-Head Record

Across the last five meetings, Sussex hold a narrow 3–2 edge, but Kent have seized recent control with consecutive wins, including the seven-wicket result earlier this season. Sussex dominated the earlier phase of the rivalry with three straight victories by 31, 88, and 34 runs, while Kent’s last two wins have tightened the matchup and flipped recent momentum toward the visitors.

SUS vs KEN Team Previews

Sussex

Sussex need their top order to fire after defeats to Hampshire by 29 runs and Middlesex by 31 runs. Tom Clark has been the in-form batter with 79 off 29 against Kent and 31 off 13 against Middlesex, while John Simpson’s 63 off 23 powered the earlier win over Essex. James Coles adds stability with 50 off 29 against Essex and 33 off 27 against Middlesex.

The bowling has bite but needs control at the death. Tymal Mills has been the strike option with 3 wickets and a 20 off 11 cameo against Middlesex, plus 2 wickets versus Hampshire. Danny Briggs has taken one wicket in each of the last four outings, and Henry Crocombe chipped in with wickets against Kent and Essex. Sussex must tighten their powerplay and death overs to avoid chaseable targets for Kent’s in-form top order.

Sussex Expected Playing 11

Tom Clark, James Coles, John Simpson (WK), Danny Lamb, Danny Briggs, Tymal Mills, Henry Crocombe, Bradley Currie, Jack Carson, Tom Haines, Ollie Robinson

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Kent

Kent have banked key wins this season, including an eight-wicket chase against Surrey and a seven-wicket win over Sussex. Zak Crawley’s 75 off 41 against Sussex set the tone, while Sam Billings has been prolific with 84 off 37 against Middlesex and 42 off 28 versus Surrey. Harry Finch added 64 off 42 against Surrey to strengthen the top order.

The attack is varied and in rhythm. Fred Klaassen has delivered wickets in three straight appearances, including 2 versus Surrey and 1 against Sussex. Keith Dudgeon impressed on his latest outing with 2 wickets, offering new-ball penetration. With scoreboard pressure from the top three and wicket-taking options across phases, Kent carry a balanced, winning template.

Kent Expected Playing 11

Zak Crawley, Daniel Bell-Drummond, Joe Denly, Sam Billings (WK), Harry Finch, Chris Benjamin, Keith Dudgeon, Fred Klaassen, Michael Cohen, Joey Evison, Ben Compton

SUS vs KEN Toss Prediction

We expect the captain winning the toss to field first. Kent have chased well this season, and Hove often rewards teams reading conditions under lights with a measured chase.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Hove typically offers true bounce with value for shots and some assistance for change-ups at the death. Expect a quick outfield and a par first-innings total around the mid-160s, with 180+ needed for real control if the wind stays light.

SUS vs KEN: Who Will Win?

Kent carry the form edge with a settled top order and wicket-taking seamers, while Sussex rely on individual bursts from Tom Clark and John Simpson. We expect Kent to control the powerplays and finish stronger at the death. Our pick is Kent to win. Pro Tip: Back Sam Billings to score 20+ given returns of 84 off 37 and 42 off 28 in recent outings.

Bet on Kent to win.