Birmingham Phoenix's must-win game to get the campaign running
| Date | August 15, 2024 |
| Time | 10:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Edgbaston, Birmingham |
| Format | 100-Ball Cricket |
| Series | The Hundred 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Ben Duckett has odds of 2.75 to be the Birmingham Phoenix's best batsman.
- Philip Salt has odds of 2.95 to be the Manchester Originals' best batsman.
- Tim Southee has odds of 3.85 to be Birmingham Phoenix's best bowler
- Fazalhaq Farooqi has odds of 3.40 to be the Manchester Originals' best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
It is the last league game in The Hundred, 2024. The Birmingham Phoenix will look to seal a berth in the Top 3 as they play the Manchester Originals in the 32nd game. The Phoenix have won the last three games in a row and defeated the Trent Rockets in the last game. The side has shown consistency in the last few games and shall start with higher odds in this contest. The Manchester Originals are out of contention for the next round after their 7-wicket loss against the Northern Superchargers in the last game. It has been a tough season for the team, and as they take the field for the last time this year, the Originals would like to end with something to feel happy about.
Birmingham Phoenix Preview
Moeen Ali's team has put itself in a strong position after their 6-wicket win against the Trent Rockets in the last game. They are third on the points table and have improved their odds on cricket betting sites. The side will look to win this game and build momentum for the next round.
Ben Duckett has batted well this year, and the side needs a strong start from him and skipper Moeen Ali. Jamie Smith will look to do well in the middle order and build partnerships with Liam Livingstone and Dan Mousley. The side will expect quick runs from Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, and Sean Abbott in the lower middle order.
The bowling attack has done well this season, and the team expects tight spells with the new ball from Adam Milne and Tim Southee. Chris Wood and Sean Abbott must check their length and bowl in the right areas. Moeen Ali, Benny Howell, and Dan Mousley add to the bowling options, making it a formidable attack.
Expected Starting XI for Birmingham Phoenix
Moeen Ali (c), Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Chris Wood
Manchester Originals Preview
Philip Salt would like this season to end on a better note than how the side has played throughout the season. They lost to the Northern Superchargers in the last game by 7 wickets and are already out of contention for the next round. They have poor odds on cricket betting apps, and Salt would look to lead from the front and finish on a high.
Salt has batted well and will expect support from Matthew Hurts while opening the batting. The middle order has battled poor form, and the team needs a good show from Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, and Paul Walter. Sikandar Raza and Jamie Overton must do the heavy lifting towards the end.
The side needs a good show from Fazalhaq Farooqi and Thomas Aspinwall on the bowling front with the new ball. Usama Mir bowled well in the last game and shall look to do well with Paul Walter and Scott Currie. Raza brings experience, and the team expects a good show from him.
Expected Starting XI for Manchester Originals
Philip Salt (c & wk), Matthew Hurst, Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Thomas Aspinwall, Scott Currie, Fazalhaq Farooqi
TOSS: To Bowl First
The last two games have seen big wins for the sides that have chased the score. The wicket will initially assist the bowlers, and the conditions will ease as the game progresses. The side winning the toss would look to bowl first and dismiss the opposition to a small total.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
We expect overcast skies over Birmingham during the game, and the bowlers will enjoy bowling in these conditions. We have seen low-scoring contests at this venue this year, and batsmen must work hard to do well. The side batting first will be happy to reach the 150-run mark.
OUR PREDICTION
The Manchester Originals have had a poor campaign. They have won only once in seven games. The middle order has failed the side, and they need runs on the board to have a chance in this game. Birmingham Phoenix has won the last two games at this venue and had a strong bowling attack. They will start favorites in this game.
Our prediction is for Birmingham Phoenix to win
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