Disclaimer: CricOpinion provides Predictions based on analysis, understanding, and intuition. Refer to records and stats before making decisions. You are not bound to follow these predictions. CricOpinion is not responsible for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from the use of this information.
Table Of Contents
Manchester Originals had a pretty bad 2024 season where they won just 1 match and lost 7, finishing second last in the points table. The team’s performance was inconsistent throughout, especially their weaknesses in batting came to the fore repeatedly. In the last match, which was a rain-curtailed encounter of just 30 balls, Originals only managed 41/5 and Birmingham Phoenix chased that score in just 22 balls. Max Holden showed some fight (15 runs), but the entire batting order collapsed under pressure.
Originals’ performance in bowling was also not impactful, bowlers like Farooqi and Aspinwall proved expensive. Scott Currie did take a wicket, but failed to maintain overall unit control. Phil Salt's leadership had expectations, but the team momentum failed to build throughout the tournament. If the Originals are to make a comeback this season, they will need top-order solidity, and disciplined spells from the bowlers.
Southern Brave played quite well last season, finishing in third place with 5 wins. The team showed consistency and reached the finals, where they suffered a 17-run defeat at the hands of Oval Invincibles. In the final match, James Coles (44) and Alex Davies (35) showed good resistance but a middle-order collapse and scoreboard pressure ended their hopes of victory. Chasing 148, Brave managed only 130/7.
The bowling unit bowled impactful spells throughout the tournament, especially Tymal Mills, Jofra Archer, and Akeal Hosein kept taking wickets consistently. In the final too, they dismissed the key batsmen at the Oval at regular intervals. Southern Brave have match-winners and their gameplan seems structured too. If the batting unit had been a little more stable, they might have won the title. In the new season, this team can again be seen as a title contender.
The Old Trafford pitch of Manchester is quite interesting for T20 matches. It is batting-friendly, but the bowlers also remain in the game. The average score of the team batting first is around 157. The team which bats smartly scores good runs. In white ball cricket, the pitch feels a little flat, so stroke-play is easy.
Talking about bowling, fast bowlers get bounce and seam movement from the new ball. This is a good ground for bowlers who play with pace. As the match progresses, spinners also become useful. The toss is very important. In the past matches, the chasing team has won more often. Therefore, bowling after winning the toss is the right decision.
Tight battles are always witnessed between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave. Both the teams have clashed 5 times, in which Originals have won 2 matches, Brave has won 2 matches and one match was left without a result. Meaning the scores are equal and the fun of the rivalry is at the next level. Every match between these teams remains unpredictable, sometimes the top-order of Originals shines and sometimes the bowlers of Brave turn the game around.
In 2024 also the clash between the two was explosive, where Southern Brave won the match by 7 wickets at Rose Bowl in Southampton. Manchester team could make only 116/6, in which Wayne Madsen played a sensible knock at a slow score of 43* runs. Brave impressed everyone by chasing the target in just 80 balls. Chris Jordan did an amazing job with both bowling and fielding, that's why he got the Player of the Match award. This match made it clear that Brave can win the match by staying cool even under pressure.
Jos Buttler (C & WK), Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Paul Walter, Max Holden, Ashton Turner, Jamie Overton, Calvin Harrison, Tom Hartley, Josh Tongue, Zaman Khan
Injury Update: None
Devon Conway (WK), Finn Allen, James Vince (C), Leus du Plooy, Colin Ackermann, Tim David, Chris Jordan, George Garton, Rehan Ahmed, Craig Overton, Tymal Mills
Injury Updates: None
Disclaimer: CricOpinion provides predictions based on analysis, understanding, and intuition. Refer to records and stats before making decisions. You are not bound to follow these predictions. CricOpinion is not responsible for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from the use of this information.
More Links