Cricket

Originals Eyeing Their First Win in The Hundred

August 6, 2024

The Hundred: Phoenix and Brave Ready for High-Stakes Eliminator Clash

©UtilitaBowl

The fourth edition of The Hundred tournament is in full tilt, and match number 18 will witness Manchester Originals and Oval Invincibles going head-to-head at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, on August 6.

Oval Invincibles have played four games and won three in the ongoing Men’s The Hundred. Sam Billings’s side is currently second on the points table, with six points from these four games. Conversely, Manchester Originals are yet to secure a victory in The Hundred 2024, having lost four consecutive games. Phil Salt’s side are languishing at the bottom of the points table.

Ahead of this enthralling contest, let us analyze the pitch report, stats, head-to-head, match prediction, and top players of this contest.

Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Pitch Report

The pitches at Old Trafford are balanced, supporting both batters and bowlers. However, the conditions are likely to be overcast so, the team bowling first will get more advantage. The pitch tends to get better for batting as the game progresses.

Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester Pitch Stats (The Hundred Men’s)

Total Matches: 11

Matches won batting first: 4

Matches won bowling first: 7

Average 1st innings Score: 128

Average 2nd innings Score: 106

Highest total recorded: 193/2 by Trent Rockets vs Manchester Originals

Lowest total recorded: 83/10 by Northern Superchargers vs Manchester Originals

MNR vs OVI Head-to-Head

Both sides have squared off four times in The Hundred’s history, with the Invincibles emerging victorious on three occasions.

MNR vs OVI Top Players Predictions

The Hundred: Sam Curran playing a shot in the leg side — ©HomeOfCricket

Sam Curran (OVI): The English all-rounder stole the limelight in Invincibles’ previous game, scoring an unbeaten 51 runs off 22 balls and taking a five-wicket haul with the ball. The Surrey all-rounder is a vital cog in Invincibles’ squad and will play a key role in this contest.

Adam Zampa (OVI): The Australian spin wizard has troubled batters in the ongoing The Hundred event with his bowling prowess. He has scalped ten wickets in four innings and earned two Hero of the Match awards in the Invincibles’ four matches. Zampa’s bowling in the middle phase of the innings will be crucial for Sam Billings’ side.

Matthew Hurst (MNR): The 20-year-old batter hammered 78 runs in the previous game but failed to seal the game for his side. His form with the bat is a positive sign for the Originals and will play a crucial role in the top order. The young gun will aim to carry his previous game’s momentum into this contest.

MNR vs OVI Hit or Miss Prediction

Phil Salt (MNR): The English swashbuckler struggled with his form in the Originals’ first three games but looked promising in the previous game, scoring 40 runs. The right-hander can pepper any bowling attack with his aggressive style of play and is likely to prevail in this contest.

MNR vs OVI Conditions-based Predictions

Seamers will get lateral movement under overcast conditions
Batting in the second innings will be easier
Bowlers need to bowl in the right areas to excel
Over 140 runs will be a good score

MNR vs OVI Match Predictions

Oval Invincibles’ openers have failed to add significant partnerships so far in the ongoing Men’s The Hundred event and are likely to lose their first wicket under 21.5 runs (1.85). On the other hand, Phil Salt and Matthew Hurst provided a solid start to the Originals in the previous game and might add over 19.5 runs (1.85) in this contest. Sam Billings will likely score over 18.5 runs (1.85) in this contest. The Odds.

MNR vs OVI Winner Prediction

Manchester Originals are desperate for their first win in the fourth edition of The Hundred competition. However, they have the advantage of playing in their backyard and are likely to secure their first victory in the tournament.