The Welsh Fire will be up against the Birmingham Phoenix in the 25th match of The Hundred 2024 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, on August 10.
Birmingham Phoenix have won three and lost two games, placing them fifth on the points table with six points from five matches. Moeen Ali’s side heads into this game with a win in their previous match. Conversely, Welsh Fire have won two and lost three of their six games, with one match abandoned due to rain. Tom Abell’s side enters this contest following a defeat in their last outing.
Ahead of this contest, let us analyse the pitch report, stats, head-to-head, match prediction, and top players of this contest.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Pitch Report
The pitch at Sophia Gardens has recently favored the pacers. Batters need to settle at the crease before attempting big shots. This season, teams batting first have excelled in both games played at this venue.
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Pitch Stats (Men’s The Hundred)
Total Matches: 14
Matches won batting first: 7
Matches won bowling first: 7
Average 1st innings Score: 131
Average 2nd innings Score: 123
Highest total recorded: 165/7 (98 balls) By Welsh Fire vs London Spirit
Lowest total recorded: 85/4 (40 balls) By Manchester Originals vs Welsh Fire
WEF vs BPH Head-to-Head
Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix have squared off thrice in Men’s The Hundred history, with the Welsh side winning twice.
WEF vs BPH Top Players Predictions
Haris Rauf (WEF): The Pakistani speedster has scalped nine wickets in four innings of the The Hundred competition. The right-arm pacer is wreaking havoc for Welsh Fire, and his contribution with the ball will play a key role in this contest.
Ben Duckett (BPH): The southpaw smashed 92 and 43 runs in Phoneix’s previous two outings and is in sublime touch. He has stockpiled 156 runs in three innings and will look to continue his impressive form in this contest, laying a solid foundation for his side.
Tim Southee (BPH): The veteran Kiwi bowler has consistently performed with the new ball for Phoenix and was named Hero of the Match in their previous game due to his impressive bowling. Southee has grabbed eight wickets in five innings and will play a key role for his side with the new ball.
WEF vs BPH Hit or Miss Prediction
Moeen Ali (BPH): The Phoenix skipper has had a disappointing tournament, failing to reach double digits in the first four games, and has yet to take a wicket in The Hundred 2024. However, Moeen Ali made a crucial change in the previous game, coming out to open the innings. This shift in batting position did the trick for the left-hander, as he looked promising and contributed an unbeaten 37 runs off 21 balls. He will likely reopen the innings in this contest, aiming to carry forward the momentum from his previous performance.
WEF vs BPH Conditions-based Predictions
- Batters will struggle to time the ball at this venue
- Batting first should be a good choice
- Anything over 135 will be a competitive score
WEF vs BPH Match Predictions
Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix will likely lose their first wicket under 18.5 runs (1.85) and 21.5 runs (1.85), respectively, in this contest. If Moeen Ali comes out to open the innings, he will likely score over 16.5 runs (1.85). The Odds.
WEF vs BPH Winner Prediction
Welsh Fire and Birmingham Phoenix have experienced a roller-coaster ride in the ongoing The Hundred event and need a win to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top three. Welsh Fire have dominated Phoenix in their head-to-head matchups and will likely maintain their dominance in this contest.
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