*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION- FINAL MATCH: OVAL INVINCIBLES VS MANCHESTER ORIGINALS 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS:*
The third edition of the Hundred served us with all sorts of fun. There were exciting run chases, absolutely humiliating losses, some fireworks with power hitting prowess mixed with some of the best bowling spells that the game has seen. As he head out of this competition with Oval Invincibles clashing with the Originals, it goes without saying that the London crowd will be at the top of their voices- cheering for their respective sides and making sure there’s enough build up before one of these outfits go onto lift the decorated trophy.
If you don’t remember what happened the last time they locked horns, then it’s better to stay away from the scorecard if you’re an Original fan because the Jos led side received an absolute beating and were hammered with 94 runs to spare. They were bowled out for 92 with the Invincibles completely being on top of them. Moving into this important clash, the Originals pure focus will be on their current form where they completed the biggest run chase last night with their skipper (probably the best white ball player at the moment) turning the heat on with his 80 odd knock. Hoping for some more magic to come their way, here’s to a tournament defining contest. Stay tuned.
*OVAL INVINCIBLES PROBABLE XI:*
Jason Roy, Paul Stirling, Will Jacks, Sam Curran, Sam Billings, Ross Whiteley, Jimmy Neesham, Tom Curran, Nathan Sowter, Zak Chappell, Gus Atkinson
The missing element in their lineup- Spencer Johnson and Sunil Narine could be fatal to their chances in a tournament where every single player was at their dominant best. With Stirling being roped in as the opener to play the finals directly, his scratchiness to these track and the bowling to face will be a disadvantage however the Irish opener on his day, can rip any opposition apart and he would be hoping to leave an imprint on this season in the best way possible.
Lower order runs from Jimmy Neesham and Sam Curran become key during a knockout/final like game. When your top order fails, it’s these guys who take up the responsibility of getting the score to something of respectability. We have seen the heroics of Neesham in games of such value and the Invincibles will be eager to bank on his slogging ability and taking on the likes of Overton, Zaman Khan and Gleeson.
*MANCHESTER ORIGINALS PROBABLE XI:*
Phil Salt, Jos Buttler, Laurie Evans, Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Calvin Harrison, Richard Gleeson, Josh Little, Zaman Khan
The form of Jos Buttler, Phil Salt and Max Holden has underlined the Originals' burst into the final and their capacity to let fly was there for all to see in the chase against Brave. These three right at the top blew the opposition away last game and with the absence of Spencer Johnson with the new ball upfront, I feel they have their task cut out and comparitively easier. With no Narine in the middle as well, Buttler has a chance to breath fire into the contest once again and lead his side to a memorable title win. The skipper would look to bowl first on this wicket which looks a better one for batting and ball striking. Don’t forget the proactive starts that Salt has provided the Originals with throughout this tournament. If he does it one more time, it could be game.set.match for the Originals.
Richard Gleeson is one bowler who I have admired ever since he came to the scene. He boasts of a good Yorker but most importantly, knows how to nail the back of length deliveries as well. Mixing the lines nicely, the express speedster has enjoyed a good tournament and on a flattish track, his variations with pace by his side should trouble the opponents as the team searches for the elusive title.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR OVAL INVINCIBLES:*
Highest run getter- Will Jacks/Jimmy Neesham
Highest wicket taker- Tom Curran/Nathan Sowter
*FOR MANCHESTER ORIGINALS:*
Highest run getter- Jos Buttler/Philip Salt
Highest wicket taker- Richard Gleeson/Josh Little
*FOR THE GAME:*
The Originals to win