*THE HUNDRED MENS COMPETITION- BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX VS LONDON SPIRITS 2023 PREVIEW*
*THE BUILD UP:*
This will be the first time Moeen Ali-led side will clash against Dan Lawrence’s men in the 2023 season of the tournament. However, if we have a look at the matches in the previous editions, Birmingham Phoenix and London Spirit have been into two encounters. In those matches, it was the Phoenix who rose in the toss battles, making the record 2-0 in their favour.
In both the matches played at the venue in this season, the highest score stands 160. Meanwhile, depending on the average score of the venue, we can expect the first inning score to be between 135-145. Apart from this, the powerplay score can hover around 30-40.
Both units have crashed out of the tournament already and hold no further chance to make it to the top spots. All they will be competing for is some pride as they would look to seek some during the fag end of the tournament.
*BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX PROBABLE XI:*
Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali (c), Chris Benjamin, Benny Howell, Chris Woakes, Adam Milne, Kane Richardson, Tanveer Sangha
Watch for out Woakes and Sangha with the former shedding off tons of experience and the latter with his delivery variety offering something special to the side. Where the average totals have been around the 160 mark, these two could prove to be really effective with their supreme style of bowling.
One final push is needed from the likes of Moeen and Livingstone in the middle order as the two powerful bashers of the ball would be keen upon building a quick fire innings and get into the act in some style.
*LONDON SPIRITS PROBABLE XI:*
Zak Crawley, Adam Rossington (wk), Daniel Lawrence (c), Matthew Wade, Daryl Mitchell, Ravi Bopara, Matthew Critchley, Jordan Thompson, Liam Dawson, Nathan Ellis, Daniel Worrall
Wade-Mitchell-Bopara had a 50:50 season as the middle order and lower order batters for the team. They would be needed to get their best set of executionary skills once again in order to cap off with a win. While Wade is a southpaw, the two are right handed batters and this could trouble the bowling lineup of the opposition team.
Liam Dawson, simple with his action, economically very effective, holding the ability to bowl in all phases of the game is a fearsome all rounder. He does well here and should look to use his skills to the best of advantage.
*MY PREDICTIONS:*
*FOR PHOENIX:*
Highest run getter- Livingstone/Moeen Ali
Highest wicket taker- Chris Woakes/Tanveer Sangha
*FOR SPIRITS:*
Highest run getter- Matthew Wade/Daniel Lawrence
Highest wicket taker- Daniel Worrall/Liam Dawson
*FOR THE GAME:*
Spirits to win