*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION MATCH 4: NORTHERN SUPERCHARGERS VS BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Headingley- a location to be proud of, as a cricket fan, is set to host another game, this time in the T20I format where the Northern Superchargers will lock horns against Birmingham Phoenix- two sides coming on the back of forgettable last seasons. The surface at this venue is generally a high scoring one, where the batters tend to score quicker than expected and the bowlers struggle for most part of the game. We could see the winning captain elect to bowl first on this rather flat track conductive for stroke play.
*BIRMINGHAM PROBABLE XI:*
Miles Hammond, Will Smeed, Liam Livingstone, Shadab Khan, Jamie Smith, Benny Howell, Dan Mousley, Henry Brookes, Tom Helm, Kane Richardson, Adam Milne
On a flat track, the cutters and the slower ones of Richardson could be a handful. He knows how to change his pace nicely and has dominated batting lineups in the past with his ability to deceive the batters. The veteran Aussie, with the experience of so many T20 leagues around, would look to start on the right note.
Excited to watch the duo of Will Smeed, an exciting prospect who is seen as Englands next white ball superstar and the all rounder Liam Livingstone. Both are known to hit the ball hard and send it miles away from the cricket field and on a belter, only the lords can imagine how outrageously dangerous they can get and how smartly they can get on the nerves of the opposition team. This promises to be a fascinating watch as we have a possibility of watching two hard hitting geniuses go about their business in some style.
Shadab’s rise as a white ball star for Pakistan and his latest stint with Hobart at the BBL does give alot away about him being a utility cricketer. He has shown his skill levels in England with his runs lower down the order as well as his ability to break open the game in the middle. He would be a key player if Birmingham are to topple the Superchargers.
*NORTHERN SUPERCHARGERS PROBABLE XI:*
Tom Banton, Adam Lyth, Matthew Short, Adam Hose, David Wiese, Bas de Leede, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Matthew Potts, Callum Parkinson, Reece Topley
The Superchargers are likely to field a four man pace attack and the best part being the variety that they offer in how well they operate. Matt Potts is a skiddy pick who bowls with pace, Reece Topley generates average pace but can trouble with his height and the angle that he creates, David Weise makes use of his height and mixes his pace up really nicely and finally, Brydon Carse who hits the deck hard and extracts decent bounce out of the surface. Little observations like these make the game reveting and the Superchargers’ pace quadruple will only make the task challenging for Birmingham.
Tom Banton will be kept a close eye on. He has been hailed by the fans and the media as the next Kevin Pieterson and how he dismisses bowlers to all parts of the ground speaks well of his 360 degree skill as he bats on, with intent and the eagerness to score. He has been out of action for England for some time now and this Hundred (if lit up) will break open the doors for him once again. The batter who follows him is Matthew Short, a tall Aussie who bowls some off spin as well. He looks a bright prospect and with a technique of strength, he could really test the inner strength of the bowlers. The addition of Weise who has shown his maturity while batting is a welcome for the side who are packed with some very fine talents all the way through.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR BIRMINGHAM:*
Highest run getter- Liam Livingstone/Will Smeed
Highest wicket taker- Kane Richardson
*FOR SUPERCHARGERS:*
Highest run getter- Tom Banton/David Weise
Highest wicket taker- Reece Topley/David Weise
*FOR THE GAME:*
Superchargers to win this game