*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION- SOUTHERN BRAVE VS BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX MATCH 22- 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Southern Brave are coming on the back of a resounding nine-wicket thrashing dealt out to Welsh Fire. The James Vince’s side won the toss, bowled first and did so to magnificent effect, skittling out the Fire for just 87, left-arm pacer Tymal Mills taking a hat-trick, only the second in Men’s Hundred history. Chasing such a small total, the Brave were never in any danger of a collapse and reached their victory target in just 59 balls with opener Devon Conway batting through for 35 not out. It was a score of value for the Kiwi opener who had struggled so far in the season, having failed to make a worthy contribution. However, a change like this with the team coming on the back of a thrilling win is more than welcome.
On the other hand, The Birmingham Phoenix surprised many at the weekend when they pulled off a surprise victory against table toppers Oval Invincibles, who had yet to be beaten in the Men’s Hundred this season. The Phoenix struck 160/8 batting first, Surrey’s Jamie Smith ironically top-scoring with 60 against the franchise who are based at his home ground of the Kia Oval. But this was at Edgbaston, where the Phoenix are historically strong and an excellent bowling performance saw them restrict Oval Invincibles to just 119, thus winning by 41 runs. To beat the top side who had form on their end is phenomenal and it goes without saying that the Phoenix would look to fine tune their skills once again.
*SOUTHERN BRAVE PROBABLE XI:*
Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Leus du Plooy (c), Joe Weatherley, Rehan Ahmed, Tim David, James Fuller, George Garton, Craig Overton, Matthew Fisher, Tymal Mills
The effect of Mills is real. The left armer, with his bag of tricks has been very effective this tournament having scalped for 8 wickets already with a 4-fer next to his name. Against a powerpacked lineup of the Phoenix who defeated the Invincibles last game, he’d be raring to go and prove his worth.
If Garton ends up emulating how Mills has been able to get the reward, even he can become a tough nut to crack given both are relatively the same in terms of their height and their action.
Finn Allen, Conways partner in crime for NZ and even for the Braves showed more spark last game. He blasted his way to a 31 off 22 and it was only possible because of the right intent that he managed to show. He along with Conway would like to start off nicely again, making sure the restrictions are taken a toll of.
*BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX PROBABLE XI:*
Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali (c), Dan Mousley, Chris Benjamin, Benny Howell, Chris Woakes, Adam Milne, Kane Richardson
Jamie Smith post his 60 run knock has been amongst the talk and rounds. Discussions around him being the next big one was always eminent and his knock against the best in the business proved the same. He is ought to be in the limelight again as the Phoenix take on the Braves next.
Chris Woakes on his return picked up a wicket, leaked just 21 off his 20 and it would have been a fairytale comeback had he not scored a duck. He is a proper utility cricketer and we’ve seen it for England. His value is immense in all departments and he’s for sure, a good one to have around the team. It goes without saying that when Woakes shines, all others tend to look paler and tomorrow we could see one such instance/day.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR SOUTHERN BRAVE:*
Highest run getter- Devon Conway/Finn Allen
Highest wicket taker- Tymal Mills/George Garton
*FOR THE PHOENIX:*
Highest run getter- Duckett/Liam Livingstone
Highest wicket taker- Chris Woakes/Adam Milne
*FOR THE GAME:*
The Braves to win