Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men – Group Stage – Preview & Prediction | The Hundred 2023
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THE FACTS
When is Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men taking place? Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men will take place on Wednesday 2nd August, 2023 at 15:00 (UK)
Where is Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men taking place? Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men will take place at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales
Where can I get tickets for Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men? Click here for the latest ticket information for Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men
What TV channel is Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men on in the UK? Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men will be televised live on Sky Sports
Where can I stream Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men in the UK? Sky Sports subscribers can stream Welsh Fire Men vs Manchester Originals Men live via Sky Go
THE LOWDOWN
WELSH FIRE
It was less Welsh Fire and more Welsh Dire in 2022 as they suffered the ignominy of losing all eight group games. Unsurprisingly, a clear out in personnel has since been undertaken with head coach Gary Kirsten replaced by Mike Hussey. The Australian is batting coach at Chennai Super Kings, the reigning IPL winners and he is expected to light a (Welsh) fire within this newly assembled squad. The overseas bowling pair of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf have already combined to win the 2023 PSL with Lahore Qalandars and immediately provide raw pace, potency and class with the ball. Batting-wise, Tom Abell skippers the side, whilst Stephen Eskinazi, Joe Clarke and Glenn Phillips are likely to make up the bulk of their top order with Clarke desperate to prove himself in Cardiff, being a survivor of that 2022 side.
MANCHESTER ORIGINALS
Manchester Originals were beaten in last year’s Men’s Hundred final by Trent Rockets and they’ll be determined to make it back to Lords, with the journey starting in South Wales. All the foundations are in place for another great run this year with Jos Buttler and Phil Salt opening the batting. Usama Mir was outstanding for Worcestershire Rapids in the T20 Blast and the Pakistan spin-bowling all-rounder is likely to impress once again in this competition. Paul Walter was also a hit in 2022 with his left-arm pace variations and big hitting with the bat and he provides the glue within this Manchester team.
THE PREDICTION
Manchester Originals are likely to come into this match as favourites to win and understandably so, considering how well they competed last year and the fact that they are established as a unit, whilst Welsh Fire are very much a new squad. However, Mike Hussey is a shrewd operator and will have his side ready to compete from the off. In Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, he has two bowlers capable of immediately hitting the ground running, with Shaheen having already gotten the better of Buttler this season, bowling him with a perfect yorker in the T20 Blast. Expect a refreshed Welsh Fire line-up to play with a new-found freedom and confidence instilled in them by Hussey and from a value perspective, backing the hosts to overcome Manchester Originals looks a shrewd move to make.
BETTING TIP: WELSH FIRE TO WIN
