*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION- ELIMINATOR: MANCHESTER ORIGINALS VS SOUTHERN BRAVE 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*WHO MAKES IT TO THE FINALE?:*
The Braves and the Originals head out, locking horns against one another, in order to compete for the final spot and grinding it out later against the Oval Invincibles. The Originals finished in second place with Brave one place behind but with the same points and a marginally worse net-run-rate. The Originals for sure, had a better campaign with their skipper Jos Buttler being on top of the mark and contributing significantly. What makes this contest worth watching is what happened the last time these two sides clashed- despite enjoying a better campaign, the Manchester Originals were toppled by the Braves previously and keeping this motivation and momentum in mind, the Braves would be extremely eager to repeat the magic and make their art work.
The Oval pitch has long been one of the best for batting across England. There is pace in the wicket but also something to work with for the spinners and quick bowlers. This keeps everybody in the contest and this is exactly what makes it a riveting contest- one to keep your eyes glued upon.
*MANCHESTER PROBABLE XI:*
Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (c & wk), Laurie Evans, Wayne Madsen, Max Holden, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Calvin Harrison, Tom Hartley, Josh Tongue, Zaman Khan
The best bit about their batting is their top order which is heavy, talented and full of class. What makes it brittle is their lack of experienced and quality options once the table moves downwards. The Originals have alot of pedigree upfront with Jos leading the charts but their inconsistent middle order could be the reason of their undoing. The openers need to get them off to a flier and resist a good bowling lineup. It’s the only way the Originals can dream of a total worthy enough to be competitive. If the Braves are able to break open the batting early, the bowling will have a little more than enough work to do, which may still not be enough given the match situation.
Zaman Khan was the best bowler in terms of wickets and economy the last time they clashed with the Braves. His variations and his steady Yorker has also helped in the Originals claiming top spot and being a consistent bowling unit. His services to stop the high flying Conway, the skipper Vince and the aggresive aggressor Finn Allen will be needed today.
*SOUTHERN BRAVE PROBABLE XI:*
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Joe Weatherley, Colin Ackermann, Chris Jordan, Mitchell Santner, George Garton, Rehan Ahmed, Tymal Mills
This could be Rehan Ahmed’s day. It’s a big occasion for the youngster and after his impressive two wicket haul versus the same opposition last game, he would be high on confidence. With the surface assisting a little turn, the leggie could prove to be a dangerous bet specially against the likes of Buttler Evans and Salt (their top order) who we’ve seen struggle against quality spin if bowled on the right spots. How he flights the ball today could be deceptive and at the same time, game defining. I can’t wait to see the bag of tricks that he will be using today as the Braves look to dominate the Originals again.
Devon Conway started slowly at the Hundred but with time, picked up the right pace and was able to deliver consistently. A half century last game which was the need of the hour was key in Braves being alive and something similar and mature would be needed out of him again today. His technical style of play mixed with his ability to transfer this form into hitting is an important aspect of his batting and the southpaw could be the most reliable player today with Braves wanting to book a place in the finals soon.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR MANCHESTER:*
Highest run getter- Jos Buttler/Philip Salt
Highest wicket taker- Zaman Khan/Josh Tongue
*FOR THE BRAVES:*
Highest run getter- Conway/James Vince
Highest wicket taker- Rehan Ahmed/Tymal Mills/Santner
*FOR THE GAME:*
Braves to win and play the Invincibles in the finale of the competition.