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The action in the England Domestic T20 2026 moves to County Ground, Chelmsford, where Essex will challenge Middlesex in the seventy-eighth match on 5th July at 8:30 PM IST.
Get the best ESS vs MID Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 78th match of the England Domestic T20 2026. Expert analysis and more.
Hot Picks for ESS vs MID Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
Simon Harmer – Essex’s captain has enjoyed an outstanding all-round campaign, scoring 129 runs in 7 innings at a remarkable 64.50 average and 181.69 strike rate, while also taking 9 wickets with best figures of 2/16 and an economy of 7.33. 
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Paul Walter – The Essex all-rounder has contributed 114 runs in 9 matches, including a top score of 78, and has also claimed 6 wickets, providing valuable balance with both bat and ball. |
Top Picks:
Wiaan Mulder – The South African all-rounder made a positive impact during his stint with Essex, scoring 58 runs and taking 3 wickets, contributing effectively with both bat and ball. |
Leus du Plooy – A dependable middle-order batter for Middlesex, du Plooy has accumulated 198 runs with a highest score of 56, while also chipping in with 1 wicket during the campaign. |
Budget Picks:
Shane Snater – Essex’s experienced seamer has added depth to the bowling attack with 5 wickets in the tournament, while also scoring 38 useful runs at a 158.33 strike rate in the lower order. |
Max Holden – Middlesex’s leading batter has scored 226 runs in 9 innings at a 145.45 strike rate, highlighted by a superb 77, consistently giving his side strong starts at the top of the order. |
ESS vs MID England Domestic T20 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
Captain | Simon Harmer & Paul Walter |
Vice-Captain | Leus du Plooy & Wiaan Mulder |
ESS vs MID Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Michael Pepper
- Batters – Paul Walter, Leus du Plooy (vc)
- All-rounders – Simon Harmer ©, Matt Critchley, Wiaan Mulder, Eathan Bosch, Luke Hollman, Joshua de Caires, Luc Benkenstein
- Bowlers – Tom Helm
ESS vs MID Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Michael Pepper
- Batters – Max Holden, Paul Walter ©, Leus du Plooy
- All-rounders – Simon Harmer, Matt Critchley, Wiaan Mulder (vc), Eathan Bosch, Luke Hollman
- Bowlers – Tom Helm, Shane Snater
ESS vs MID Dream11 Prediction Today Match 78 England Domestic T20 2026 Players to Avoid:
Players | Dream11 Credits | Dream11 Points (Last match) |
Z Gohar | NA | NA |
M Killeen | NA | NA |
ESS vs MID Dream11 Prediction Today Match 78 England Domestic T20 2026 Expert Advice:
SL Captaincy Choice | Simon Harmer |
GL Captaincy Choice | Paul Walter |
Punt Picks | Shane Snater and Max Holden |
Dream11 Combination | 1-2-7-1 |
ESS vs MID Match Preview:
The eighty-fourth match of the 2026 Vitality Blast will see Essex take on Middlesex at the Ambassador Cruise Line Ground, Chelmsford, on 5th July, with the match scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM IST. Essex occupies eighth place in the standings with 20 points, while Middlesex sits at the bottom in eighteenth place with 4 points. Therefore, this fixture holds greater significance for Essex as they look to strengthen their playoff chances.
Essex enters the contest with plenty of confidence after a commanding 100-run victory over Sussex in its previous outing. Simon Harmer, Charlie Allison, and Paul Walter have consistently contributed with the bat, while Sam Cook, Charlie Bennett, and Zaman Akhter have led the bowling attack with disciplined performances. Meanwhile, Middlesex has endured a difficult campaign, managing just one win from eight matches. Nevertheless, the visitors will rely on Luke Hollman, Joshua de Caires, Max Holden, and Leus du Plooy to deliver with the bat, while Tom Helm will spearhead the pace attack.
Moreover, Essex will take confidence from its recent record against Middlesex. The Eagles defeated Middlesex by 60 runs when the two teams met on 7th June 2026 at the Merchant Taylors’ School Ground. Furthermore, Essex has won three of the last five meetings between the sides, while Middlesex has claimed two victories. Consequently, Essex enters this clash as the stronger side based on current form and overall momentum, although Middlesex will look to produce an improved performance and cause an upset.
ESS vs MID Head-to-Head Record:
Teams | Matches Won |
Essex | 21 |
Middlesex | 16 |
ESS vs MID Weather & Pitch Report:
Temperature | 21°C |
Weather Forecast | Overcast |
Pitch Behaviour | Batting-friendly |
Best Suited To | Pace |
Average 1st innings score | 168 |
Record of chasing teams:
Records | Good |
Winning % | 54% |
ESS vs MID Playing 11s (Predicted):
Essex Playing 11:
1) Dean Elgar
2) Charlie Allison
3) Jordan Cox (wk)
4) Paul Walter
5) Michael Pepper
6) Simon Harmer ©
7) Luc Benkenstein
8) Sam Cook
9) Charlie Bennett
10) Zaman Akhter
11) Shane Snater
Middlesex Playing 11:
1) Stephen Eskinazi ©
2) Max Holden
3) Leus du Plooy
4) Joshua de Caires
5) Luke Hollman
6) Jack Davies (wk)
7) Ryan Higgins
8) Tom Helm
9) Noah Cornwell
10) Henry Brookes
11) Zafar Gohar
ESS vs MID Match Winner Prediction:
Looking at the squad strength, Essex is expected to win this match.
