Manchester Originals vs Birmingham Phoenix, HMC2023, Today Match Prediction 07 August 2023

MCR vs BRM Match Prediction & Analysis

Manchester Originals are yet to win a game in this year’s Hundred. They lost their first game to Welsh Fire, and their next match was called off due to rain just as they looked to be getting a grip on things. The Originals are now stuck at the bottom of the table with no wins and just 1 point after 2 matches. Their net run rate, too, stands at a poor -1.125. They next take on Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford on Monday. Both of Birmingham’s matches have no results due to rain. They are sixth on the table with 1 point in their kitty. 

RECENT PERFORMANCE

MCR

L

WEF

94/3 in 8.0 11.75

HMC2023

02 Aug 2023

MCR

85/4 in 8.0 10.63

BRM

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester Originals Preview

Manchester Originals skipper Jos Buttler put on a thrilling show, smashing five sixes in a rapid 36-ball 62, but their match against London Spirit was eventually abandoned due to inclement weather in Manchester. Rain interrupted the game's only innings when the home side reached 138 for 5 after 80 balls. No further play was possible, and both teams shared the points.

Buttler, of course, will remain the team’s MVP as they take on Birmingham Phoenix. Philip Salt, who smashed 21 off just 9 balls, is another one who can leave a mark. The attacking opener has scored 337 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 37.44 and a strike rate of 164.39. Max Holden, with scores of 37 and 27 in his last two matches, is also worth backing.

Among the bowlers, the Originals have Josh Little (15 wickets from his last 7 matches at 8.04) and Paul Walter (13 wickets from the last 10 matches at 7.75) to bank on. Leg-spinner Usama Mir can prove to be very handy for Manchester as well. The Pakistani spinner recently featured in the Vitality Blast for Worcestershire and ended the season with 19 wickets in 11 games at an economy of just 7.29. He is well used to these conditions now and can be useful during the middle overs.

Manchester Originals Predicted Playing XI:

Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Laurie Evans, Max Holden, Ashton Turner, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Usama Mir, Tom Hartley, Joshua Little, Richard Gleeson

Manchester Originals Actual Playing XI:

Ashton Turner, Joshua Little, Jos Buttler, Jamie Overton, Laurie Evans, Max Holden, Philip Salt, Paul Walter, Richard Gleeson, Tom Hartley, Usama Mir

Birmingham Phoenix Preview

After two rain-affected matches resulting in no outcomes, Birmingham Phoenix would be eager for their first victory of the season. After sitting out Birmingham's first match due to injuries, Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali are expected to return for this crucial showdown, having had some time to recover.

Livingstone is the star player of the team and looks in great touch, having amassed 219 runs in the past 7 matches at an impressive average of 36.50 and a strike rate of 158.69. All-rounder Moeen Ali had a memorable Ashes series and will be looking forward to carrying over his form to the Hundred. Ali has scored 208 runs in his last 9 matches at a strike rate of almost 150. His cameos down the order turn the game around for Birmingham.

The bowling department for Birmingham looks promising, with Kane Richardson (13 wickets in the last 8 matches at 7.89) and Tom Helm (14 wickets in the last 9 matches at 8.32) leading the charge. In the middle overs, Moeen's off-spin and Shadab Khan's legbreaks will come into play, and are set to challenge the opposing batsmen.

Birmingham Phoenix Predicted Playing XI:

Will Smeed, Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith (wk), Moeen Ali (c), Shadab Khan, Benny Howell, Adam Milne, Tom Helm, Kane Richardson

Birmingham Phoenix Actual Playing XI:

Adam Milne, Benny Howell, Ben Duckett, Dan Mousley, Will Smeed, Jamie Smith, Kane Richardson, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Shadab Khan, Tom Helm

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

Old Trafford's wicket is an absolute belter and has favored batters in recent times. The ball comes on nicely to the bat, and seam bowlers don’t get much help here from the wicket. The conditions are likely to be a little cloudy, which might help the quicks get some movement off the air. For the most part, however, batters will have a great time here.

The weather in Manchester during the match will be partly sunny.

MCR vs BRM Pitch Report

The average first innings total at Old Trafford in the men’s Hundred is 123. The highest total posted here in the competition is 193-2 by Trent Rockets while chasing a target of 190 against Manchester Originals. The team batting first should look to set a target of around 140-150 runs.

Toss: To Bowl

Out of the 6 completed matches of the Hundred played at Manchester, 4 have been won by the side chasing. With rain again expected to play spoilsport, it makes sense for the team winning the toss to chase in case DRS comes into play.