We are just one game away from advancing to the playoff round of the fourth edition of The Hundred competition. The final match of the league stage, featuring Birmingham Phoenix and Manchester Originals, will take place at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on August 15.
Moeen Ali’s Birmingham Phoenix are on a three-match winning streak and sit fourth on the points table. With five wins and two losses from their seven matches, a victory in their final game will secure a top-three finish. It is pertinent to mention that a washout will also guarantee their top-three finish, but they cannot afford a loss, as it would end their chances in the ongoing The Hundred event. On the other hand, the Originals are already out of the competition, winning only one of their seven games. Phil Salt and Co. will aim to end their The Hundred campaign on a high note.
With a playoff spot at stake for Birmingham Phoenix, they will go all out in this contest. Before the action begins, let’s shift our focus to the pitch report, stats, probable playing XI, match prediction, and key players. 
Edgbaston, Birmingham Pitch Report
The batters have struggled to score freely at this venue in the previous two games, with 120 runs being the highest score. The pacers have wreaked havoc at Edgbaston in the ongoing The Hundred competition, indicating the pitch has ample assistance for them.
Edgbaston, Birmingham Pitch Stats
Total Matches: 14
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won bowling first: 7
Average 1st innings Score: 151
Average 2nd innings Score: 123
Highest total recorded: 185/5 by Birmingham Phoenix vs London Spirit
Lowest total recorded: 75/10 by Birmingham Phoenix vs Manchester Originals
BRP vs MNR Probable Playing XI
Birmingham Phoenix: Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Liam Livingstone, Dan Mousley, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Sean Abbott, Adam Milne, Tim Southee, Chris Wood
Manchester Originals: Philip Salt (c & wk), Matthew Hurst, Max Holden, Wayne Madsen, Paul Walter, Jamie Overton, Sikandar Raza, Usama Mir, Thomas Aspinwall, Scott Currie, Fazalhaq Farooqi
BRP vs MNR Top Players Prediction
Ben Duckett (BRP): The 29-year-old has shown scintillating form in the ongoing The Hundred tournament. The left-hander has stockpiled 240 runs in five innings at a staggering strike rate of 175.18. He will aim to continue his impressive form in this crucial clash and help his side come out on top.
Philip Salt (MNR): The Originals skipper has hammered 216 runs in seven innings of the current The Hundred competition and is in sublime form. The right-hander started his campaign on a lackluster note but has regained his momentum and will aim to finish strongly.
Fazalhaq Farooqi (MNR): The Afghan pacer struggled with form in the Originals’ first three games but has since found his rhythm. He has grabbed seven wickets in seven innings and will look to topple Phoneix batters in this contest.
BRP vs MNR Hit or Miss Prediction
Tim Southee (BRP): The Kiwi bowler is in top form in The Hundred 2024, making opposing batters struggle against his bowling. He has claimed 13 wickets in seven innings so far and was named Hero of the Match in the previous contest for his outstanding spell of 5/12. The onus will be on the veteran pacer to provide a solid start with the new ball to his side in this crucial clash.
BRP vs MNR Conditions-based Predictions
- Bowlers are likely to dominate at this venue
- Batters need to negate the new balls carefully
- Bowling first would be a good choice
BRP vs MNR Match Predictions
Moeen Ali and Ben Duckett have performed well as openers for Phoenix, and they are likely to score over 20.5 runs (1.85) for the first wicket. Ben Duckett will likely score over 20.5 runs (1.85), while Liam Livingstone might fall under 15.5 runs (1.85). Additionally, the total wickets in this contest might remain under 13.5 (1.75). The Odds.
BRP vs MNR Winner Prediction
Birmingham Phoenix have excelled in all facets of the game in their recent matches. Given that this is a must-win contest for them, they are likely to come out on top.
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