* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The Hundred got off to a slightly low-rent bang last night with the Oval Invincibles women beating their Manchester Originals counterparts from a bleak-looking position in a thrilling match that went down to the final two balls – and now it’s the turn of the men. Jason Roy and Jos Buttler lead the batting attacks, but I think this contest will come down to the quality of bowling.
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Manchester Originals to Win
Manchester Originals look to have the more rounded, better options in the bowling and should squeak the win here. They also look to have a better batting unit, but the leg-spin of Matt Parkinson could be key. We’ve seen time and time again how vital a leggie can be in the shorter formats and now, heading into the shortest played professionally on British shores yet, he could be the match-winner.
Thursday 6.30pm: Oval Invincibles v Manchester Originals
BBC Two, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Cricket and iPlayer
That’s not to mention Lockie Ferguson, Steve Finn and Ollie Robinson. The Invincibles’ attack is a bit ‘samey’ with both Curran brothers likely to start, given their all-around talents. Saqib Mahmood provides the X-factor for their attack, but pure pace might not be the route to success in this competition. I’m backing Manchester Originals to Win.
Both Teams to Score 160+ Runs Each
Off to the #WhatOddsPaddy markets next and, while bigging up the importance of the bowling, I think we’re in for some monster scores tonight. Originals’ women set a target of 135 yesterday and I think it’s fair to assess that the amassed talent on display in the men’s version can beat that.
You’ve got Jason Roy, Colin Ingram and Sam Billings who should all feature prominently for the hosts and Jos Buttler, Carlos Brathwaite, Colin Munro and Phil Salt who can all give it a right old whack for the Manchester side. With both teams eager to put on a good show in the inaugural men’s match, Both Teams to Score 160+ Runs Each could be a smart bet.
Originals’ top wicket taker – Matt Parkinson
Parkinson comes into this off some great form for England against Pakistan, staking his claim for their World Cup squad, and I think he’ll have the Invincibles batsmen second-guessing themselves here. He’ll go for a few runs but undoubtedly has the skills to take a wicket or two, which may be enough to get us over the line here.
He gives it a rip and is in the game with every ball. While Ferguson is the obvious danger to us here, I think it’s worth a punt, at nice odds, on Parkinson to be the Originals’ top wicket-taker. Expect him to bowl 10 in a row at some point and if he can get a new batsman or two in he can take advantage of the hit-out-or-get-out format.
Tips for Invincibles v Originals
Manchester Originals to Win
Both Teams to Score 160+ Runs Each
Originals’ top wicket taker – Matt Parkinson
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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