*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION 2023- MANCHESTER ORIGINALS VS SOUTHERN BRAVE PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*FIGHT FOR EQUALITY:*
Southern Braves, placed at the 4th position with 7 points (3 wins and 3 losses) represent neutrality and balance. They wouldn’t be too happy of their campaign nor will they be too sad. After 7 games, they now find themselves in a mixed position where a win could bolster their chances in the tournament but a loss could make things and situations complicated for the Braves.
They will lock horns with the Originals now with the hope of toppling a team that is second on the table and has enjoyed a fair share of success.
The Manchester Originals now compete for the first spot which is still 4 points away. They have had an enjoyable outing so far and chase only one dream- to finish at the peak; The Everest. 3 wins backing them keeps them in an amazing stead as their quest to get to 11 points thickens and with an all round show on display for the innumerable nth times, we could see the Originals play with more authority aggression and freedom.
*MANCHESTER ORIGINALS PROBABLE XI:*
Jos Buttler, Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Max Holden, Ashton Turner, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Tom Hartley, Josh Tongue, Zaman Khan, Calvin Harrison
It goes without saying that the epitome of destruction and class, Jos Buttler from England, will be a key watch for the Manchester Originals. He is already the top run getter of this competition with over 250 runs at an average of 42.16
Buttler has been at his brutal best, getting the better of oppositions most often than not and his recent 75 vs the Superchargers on an away turf speaks of the confidence that the lad has. The skipper will be excited by the prospect of leading from the front again and promoting some more carnage.
No fifer gets unnoticed. Calvin Harrison put in the hard yards and got the rewards for the same. It was an instrumental one in terms of the context. The Superchargers skittled over for just 83, all thanks to some brilliance from the 25 year old year. He would be eager to produce something this worthy again as Zaman Khan looks after the death overs duty.
*SOUTHERN BRAVE PROBABLE XI:*
Devon Conway, Finn Allen, James Vince, Leus du Plooy, Colin Ackermann, Mitchell Santner, George Garton, Chris Jordan, Rehan Ahmed, Craig Overton, Tymal Mills
Three sixes from David to finish off the innings weren’t enough for the Braves as they slipped to a 8 run loss the other day and have a slipped momentum coming into this important fixture that could decide their supremacy in the tourney.
Chris Jordan could be a trump pick for the Braves as he has the backing of form. The death overs specialist has enjoyed a good run and has a three fer to his name(from the last outing). He has made a memorable stint already while bowling on these pitches. On flat pitches like the ones this Hundred competition is offering, performing the way Jordan is carrying himself is exemplary and he should look to carry this forward.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*MANCHESTER ORIGINALS*
Highest run getter- Jos Buttler/Laurie Evans
Highest wicket taker- Zaman Khan/Calvin Harrison
*SOUTHERN BRAVE:*
Highest run getter- Finn Allen/James Vince
Highest wicket taker- Chris Jordan
*FOR THIS GAME:*
Originals to win