Tough test for Birmingham Phoenix against Southern Brave
| Date | August 17, 2024 |
| Time | 10:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Kennington Oval, London |
| Format | 100-Ball Cricket |
| Series | The Hundred 2024 |
Betting Odds
Our Predictions
- Ben Duckett has odds of 2.70 to be the Birmingham Phoenix's best batsman
- James Vince has odds of 2.50 to be the Southern Brave's best batsman
- Sean Abbott has odds of 3.85 to be Birmingham Phoenix's best bowler
- Tymal Mills has odds of 3.55 to be the Southern Brave's best bowler
MATCH PREVIEW
The league stage is over in The Hundred, 2024, and we are in for the first knockout game as the Birmingham Phoenix take on the defending champions, Southern Brave in the Eliminator. The Birmingham Phoenix finished second on the points table after the league stage and defeated Manchester Originals by a big margin in their last game. The Southern Brave shared points with Welsh Fire after rain halted play. They have a 4-1 record against the Phoenix and shall start with higher odds in this game. Both teams have high stakes in this game, as the loser would see its campaign end. We have had close games this season and expect another thrilling contest.
Birmingham Phoenix Preview
Moeen Ali's team has stormed into this round. They have lost only twice this season and have done well in both departments of the game. It was a clinical performance from the side against the Manchester Originals in their last game, where they won by 9 wickets. Their poor record against Southern Brave hurts their odds on cricket betting sites. Ali would look to turn that around with a good performance.
Ben Duckett has been the most consistent batsman for the team, and he must put up a big partnership with Jamie Smith at the top. They have a formidable middle order and expect partnerships between Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, and Dan Mousley. Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, and Jacob Bethell add to their batting firepower.
Their bowlers will face a big test as the Southern Brave have a strong batting lineup. Tim Southee has enjoyed a good season, and he must pick early wickets along with Adam Milane. Sean Abbott and Chris Wood haven't been consistent, which is worrying. Livingstone, Benny Howell, and Moeen Ali shall look to deliver the goods in the supporting role.
Expected Starting XI for Birmingham Phoenix
Moeen Ali (c), Ben Duckett, Liam Livingstone, Jamie Smith (wk), Dan Mousley, Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, Jacob Bethell, Adam Milne, Chris Wood, Tim Southee
Southern Brave Preview
James Vince will feel proud of how his side has played this season. He has led from the front with the bat, playing match-winning knocks. They faced a scare in the last game against Welsh Fire, where the bowlers had a poor outing. Their good record against the Birmingham Phoenix gives them an edge on cricket betting apps, and Vince would look to use past wins as an inspiration.
James Vince has enjoyed phenomenal form with 357 runs this year, and the team will look up to him and Alex Davies for a good start. Laurie Evans, Leus du Plooy, and James Coles shall look to add quick runs in the middle order. The side has firepower in the lower middle order, with big hitters like Chris Jordan, Kieron Pollard, and Danny Briggs on the team.
The bowling attack will face the head after last game's meltdown. Early wickets from Jofra Archer and Akeal Hosein will be key to success in this contest. Tymal Mills must bring his experience to play and do well in the middle overs. The team also needs good spells from Chris Jordan and Danny Briggs, as the Phoenix have good hitters.
Expected Starting XI for Southern Brave
James Vince (c), Leus du Plooy, Alex Davies (wk), James Coles, Kieron Pollard, Laurie Evans, Chris Jordan, Akeal Hosein, Danny Briggs, Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer
TOSS: To Bowl First
In four games played here this season, the side batting first has defended the total only once. The wicket is tough to bat on at the start, and bowlers can cause trouble for the batsmen. The team that wins the toss will look to bowl first.
PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS
The skies over London will be slightly overcast, which will help the bowlers. Batsmen must be watchful on this track, and we have seen it misbehaved in recent games. We have seen low-scoring games at this venue, and the side that is batting first will be happy to cross the 150-run mark.
OUR PREDICTION
Birmingham Phoenix must battle against history to win this game. They have always surrendered to the Southern Brave in key contests. It will be a tough game, and Phoenix must use the momentum. The Southern Brave have a strong batting lineup and players who can deliver in tough games. We expect a close game, but the Southern Brave has a slight edge based on their record.
Our prediction is for Southern Brave to win
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