THE EDGE: The Edge previews The Hundred clash between Birmingham Phoenix v Manchester Originals with a recommended BETDAQ bet.
Birmingham Phoenix v Manchester Originals
MATCH OVERVIEW:
It’s the final group game of the Hundred on Betdaq Betting Exchange as Birmingham Phoenix host Manchester Originals. A lot of times the final game can be a dead-rubber but Birmingham Phoenix still have a chance to make the playoffs. It has actually be a good race for the playoffs over the final games with Northern Superchargers winning on Monday to give themselves a chance, then of course we had the double header on Tuesday with Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave played. As things stands, Birmingham Phoenix are outside the top three but they are only one point behind Northern Superchargers so a win will definitely put them ahead of them.
As for Southern Brave, it all depends on their result on Tuesday along with how the net run rate finishes up. They both go into their final games on ten points. Unfortunately for Manchester Originals, they have nothing to play for here. It has been a terrible tournament for them with just one win from their seven games. There actually isn’t much difference between themselves and London Spirit on net run rate, so a decent loss will see them finish bottom of the table – that’s definitely something to play for here! The reality is they just haven’t been good enough this season, and it’s been one to forget since the news broke that Jos Buttler would miss the tournament with injury.
Birmingham Phoenix have had their issues too; we started the Hundred this summer with them being 89 all out! Moeen Ali has finally hit some form though, and that is absolutely vital. Putting him at the top of the order to chase down the 83 all out from Northern Superchargers was a good move and he produced a match winning knock in the next game too. The home side will be expected to continue their winning run!
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
The general theme at this tournament is that scores have been low. We’ve gone through plenty of quotes from players; first it was the logo on the ball, now this week it has been the “tired” wickets. Perhaps the reality is at times the batting hasn’t been good enough! Edgbaston is usually a good place to bat in white ball cricket – the first inning scores here this season have been 169/2 (won), 83 all out (chased) and 118 all out (chased). I feel like a broken record over the last two weeks, but even in good conditions it’s hard to trust a batting side in the Hundred this season!
RECOMMENDED BET:
It’s no surprise to see Birmingham Phoenix as the clear favourites here. They are in with a chance at the playoffs against a Manchester Originals side with nothing to play for bar avoiding finishing bottom of the table. The home side are trading 1.68 and while that’s definitely been on a lower end of starting prices in the Hundred this season, it’s still worth having a small investment on against a very poor side. London Spirit and Manchester Originals have comfortably been the worst sides in the tournament this season, and Birmingham Phoenix come into this game with all the momentum. They should get the job done, but I’m keeping stakes low given the price only offer small value.
The Edge Says:
One point win Birmingham Phoenix to beat Manchester Originals at 1.68 with Betdaq Exchange
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/BirMan
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
This Hundred has been about getting against the batting side. We’ve had lots of sides batting first collapse, but we have had plenty of poor chases too! In general the batting has been poor – Birmingham Phoenix have had their blowout scores too! I have to say though getting against the Manchester Originals middle order has been a very nice trade right throughout the tournament, and I’m happy to continue with that here. Especially considering the Birmingham Phoenix bowlers look in great touch too.
