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.
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Manchester Originals Women ended last season in the bottom position, but their overall campaign was a bit inconsistent. In 8 matches, they managed just 3 wins and 1 no result. However, towards the end of the season they managed an impressive 17-run win against Northern Superchargers, where Beth Mooney played a superb innings of 99* runs. Kathryn Bryce took 4 wickets to turn the tide in Originals’ favour. The win definitely boosted the morale of the team, but the previous 3 consecutive defeats also show their weaknesses, especially their middle-order which sometimes crumbles under pressure. If the Originals are to get back on track, they will have to rely consistently on their key players – Mooney, Bryce, and Ecclestone. The bowling unit showed good control in the last match, but their bowling has been expensive in several earlier matches of the tournament. The team has potential, but stability and the mindset and discipline to finish the match are a must. Maintaining momentum against an opponent like Southern Brave will be their biggest challenge.
The 2024 journey of Southern Brave Women has been quite a struggle. They finished the season at the bottom of the points table with just 1 win, 6 losses, and a tie. Their last match was against Welsh Fire in which they lost by 9 wickets – batting failed completely and they were all out for just 103 runs. For Brave, only Chloe Tryon showed a bit of fight (37 runs), the rest of the batting order collapsed. Bowling was also not effective, only Lauren Bell got a wicket. Despite poor form and low confidence, Southern Brave has match-winners like Smriti Mandhana, Danni Wyatt, and Tryon. But their collective failure has become their biggest weakness. Fielding, death-over bowling, and top-order contribution all need to be worked upon. If Brave wants to break his losing streak, he will have to show complete team performance – just individual brilliance will not suffice.
The pitch of Old Trafford is considered balanced for T20 matches. Both batting and bowling get a chance here. The average score in the first innings is around 157 runs. In white ball cricket, this pitch is a bit flat, which gives batsmen a chance to take shots. High-scoring matches have also been played here.
But not only batsmen, bowlers also get help. Fast bowlers get seam and bounce from the new ball, and if the weather is cloudy then they get an even better swing. Spinners also come into the game in the later overs of the match when the pitch starts to slow down. After winning the toss, the team often chooses bowling, because the chasing team gets a little advantage here.
Both teams have played 4 matches so far. Both have won 2-2, that is, the record is absolutely equal. Last year in 2024, only one match was played in which Manchester Originals defeated Southern Brave by 6 wickets. Southern Brave batted first and scored 136/5 in 100 balls. Danielle Wyatt played the best 61 runs in 46 balls. Charli Knott scored 27 runs and Maia Bouchier 24. Tryon played a quick cameo of 13 runs in the end.Among the Manchester bowlers, Sophie Ecclestone gave only 17 runs for 2 wickets. Kim Garth and Morris also got one wicket each. Bryce gave away just 15 runs in 15 balls. Then Manchester showed the magic of Laura Wolvaardt in the chase. She scored 78* runs in just 52 balls and made the team win. Evelyn Jones also scored 39 runs. Georgia Adams took 2 wickets for Brave.
Smriti Mandhana, Danielle Wyatt, Sophia Dunkley, Tahlia McGrath, Maia Bouchier, Georgia Adams, Freya Kemp, Amanda Wellington, Anya Shrubsole (C), Carla Rudd (WK), Lauren Bell
Injury Update: None
Lizelle Lee, Emma Lamb, Ami Campbell, Deandra Dottin, Amy Satterthwaite, Cordelia Griffith, Sophie Ecclestone, Kate Cross (C), Eleanor Threlkeld (WK), Grace Potts, Hannah Jones
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.
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