MNR vs SOB Match Prediction The Men's Hundred 2025 2nd Match: Match Preview, Pitch Report and Who will win Today’s Match?

MNR vs SOB Match Preview

The Manchester Originals hosts the Southern Brave in the match number 2 of The Men's Hundred 2025 season at the Emirates Old Trafford on August 6.

The hosts had a really difficult campaign last season as they finished 2nd bottom in the points table. Throughout the campaign, the Manchester Originals won only one match and lost 7 matches on their way to finishing in 7th position.

England international Phil Salt was the top scorer for the side with 228 runs while Fazalhaq Farooqi and Scott Currie were the joint-top wicket-takers for the side with 7 wickets each.

As for the Southern Brave, they finished in 3rd place in the points table to qualify for the next round. They beat the Birmingham Phoenix in the eliminator but lost against Oval Invincibles in the final.

James Vince had an outstanding season as he scored 424 runs in 10 matches and was the league's top run scorer. Tymal Mills was the top wicket-taker with 19 wickets while Chris Jordan and Akeal Hosein took 15 and 12 wickets respectively.

MNR vs SOB Recent Form 

Manchester Originals’ recent form is terrible compared to that of the Southern Brave after their difficult campaign last year. In their last five matches, Manchester has won only one match and lost four. As for the Southern Brave, they have won 3 in their last 5 matches. AMNRng the two defeats includes the defeat against the Oval Invincibles in the final match last year.

MNR vs SOB Head-to-Head in The Men's Hundred

The Manchester Originals and the Southern Brave have played a total of 4 matches against each other in the head-to-head battle. And both sides have been involved in some tight affairs as both sides have won 2 matches each.

Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Pitch Report

The pitch at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester is quite balanced, making it a good challenge for both batting and bowling. Known for its true bounce and lively pace, the wicket is fantastic for batting, especially early in the match when stroke making is easy. Right from the start, this pitch really favors batters. Fast bowlers can get some help with the new ball, especially when the weather's cloudy, as the humidity tends to give the ball swing and seam movement. As the game goes on, the pitch tends to slow down, helping out the spinners. Chasing has still been the favorite approach at this ground.

MNR vs SOB Predicted Playing XI

Manchester Originals: Phil Salt (C), Matty Hurst, Jos Buttler, Ben McKinney, Heinrich Klaasen, Lewis Gregory, George Garton, Scott Currie, James Anderson, Noor Ahmad, Merchant de Lange.

Southern Brave: James Vince (C), Jason Roy, Laurie Evan, Leus du Plooy, Toby Albert, James Coles, Michael Bracewell, Craig Overton, Chris Jordan, Tymal Mills, Reece Topley.

MNR vs SOB Key Performers

Manchester Originals Top Batter: Phil Salt

There will be a lot of eyes on the Manchester Originals captain Phil Salt who is known for giving his team aggressive starts. He scored 403 runs in the IPL 2025 and 245 runs in the T20 Blast 2025 to showcase the immense form he is in.

Manchester Originals Top Bowler: James Anderson

The legendary England pacer James Anderson will be looking to use all his experience to help his side in this match. He has been in great form recently as he took 17 wickets in 9 matches despite being 43-years-old.

Southern Brave Top Batter: James Vince

The Southern Brave captain James Vince had a stellar campaign last year as he finished as the top scorer and guided his team to the final. He has been in great form prior to the tournament as he scored 436 runs in 13 matches in the T20 Blast 2025 for Hampshire. He will be looking to carry on the same MNRmentum into the tournament.

Southern Brave Top Bowler: Tymal Mills

The Southern Brave’s pacer Tymal Mills had a great season last year as he finished as the team's top wicket-taker. He has been in great rhythm coming into the tournament as he took 18 wickets in 14 matches in the T20 Blast 2025.

MNR vs SOB Today Match Prediction

The Manchester Originals and the Southern Brave will look to start the new season on a winning MNRmentum. Manchester had a very difficult campaign last year while the Brave lost the final match against Oval Invincibles and will be looking to take that extra step.

While both teams are talented, Manchester Originals are MNRre dependent on Salt, Buttler, and Klaasen. Southern Brave has a balanced team with top batters like Vince and Roy, plus strong bowlers like Mills and Topley, making them favorites.