The Welsh Fire (WEF) will square off against Manchester Originals (MNR) in match 2 of The Hundred 2023. The two teams will contest at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, on Wednesday, August 2.
Speaking about their campaigns in the previous season, Welsh Fire languished at the bottom of the points table, losing all of their eight fixtures. On the other hand, Manchester Originals stood second in the standings and eventually lost in the summit clash of the event to Trent Rockets. Both sides will be gunning to win their first match in order to get off to a good start.
Match Details:
Tournament: The Hundred 2023
Match:Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals, Match 2
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff
Date & Time: Wednesday, August 2, 7:30 pm (IST)
Where to Watch Live: Sony Sports Network, SonyLiv and FanCode
Sophia Gardens Pitch Report
The surface at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff has been unpredictable as it initially assists the pacers. However, as the game progresses, the wicket has an inclination for the batters while providing little assistance to spinners. Bowling first could be the way to go for the skipper who wins the toss in order to have a target in mind.
Probable Playing XIs:
Welsh Fire (WEF)
Luke Wells, Joe Clarke (wk), Stephen Eskinazi, Chris Cooke, Ben Green, Tom Abell (c), David Willey, Glenn Phillips, George Scrimshaw, Roelof van der Merwe, Jake Ball
Manchester Originals (MNR)
Jos Buttler (c), Phil Salt (wk), Laurie Evans, Wayne Madsen, Max Holden, Ashton Turner, Paul Walter, Tom Lammonby, Tom Hartley, Richard Gleeson, Joshua Little
Head-to-Head
Overall
Played – 2, Welsh Fire – 0, Manchester Originals – 2, NR- 0
Probable Best Batter of the Match
Glenn Phillips – Welsh Fire
The Kiwi batter has the potential to play vital knocks coming in the middle order for Welsh Fire. He will be gunning to start his campaign with a big innings so as to help his side stay ahead in the contest.
Probable Best Bowler of the Match
Joshua Little – Manchester Originals
Joshua Little had a decent campaign in the IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans and has proven his bowling exploits for Ireland on certain occasions. He will be hungry to get the wickets and get his name among the leading wicket-takers in the competition.