Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals, HMC2023, Today Match Prediction 02 August 2023

WEF vs MCR Match Prediction & Analysis

The Hundred is back with its 3rd edition and stakes are higher than ever. Judging by the last 2 editions, this edition is all set to be another blockbuster.

The Welsh Fire would want to forget the previous edition as they were the bottom-placed team in the tournament. With no wins in 8 games, the Welsh Fires could not a single point on the points table.

Manchester Originals, on the other hand, had a really good last season. After finishing second in the group they went on to the finals of the 2nd edition. However, they will be extremely disappointed as they could not go on to win it.

RECENT PERFORMANCE

WEF

MCR

HEAD TO HEAD

TEAMS PREVIEW

Welsh Fire Preview

Finishing 8th in the first season was not something that the Welsh Squad would have wanted to do. As disappointing as the season was, they have made some serious improvements to their squad and will fancy their chances going into this new season.

The squad this year is very very exciting. With the batting being taken care of by hard hitters like Jhonny Bairstow and Glenn Phillips, Captain Tom Abell is a solid player too. Their middle order is being shouldered by Stephen Eskinazi and will provide them with much-needed stability.

However, their bowling is their strongest suit, with the injection of a heavy Pakistani contingent, in Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, the Welsh Fire will hope it will be enough for David Willey. A lot will be expected of them and they will want to deliver aswell.

Key Players: Johnny Bairstow, Glenn Phillips, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

Welsh Fire Predicted Playing XI:

Jonny Bairstow, Tom Abell, David Willey, Shaheen Afridi, Joe Clarke, Glenn Phillips, Ollie Pope, Haris Rauf, David Payne, Roelof van der Merwe, Jake Ball, Stephen Eskinazi, Dan Douthwaite, George Scrimshaw, Luke Wells, Chris Cooke.

Welsh Fire Actual Playing XI:

RE Van Der Merwe, David Payne, David Willey, Glenn Phillips, Haris Rauf, Joe Clarke, Luke Wells, Shaheen Afridi, Stephen Eskinazi, Thomas Abell, Ben Green

Manchester Originals Preview

If last season is any indication of what the Manchester Originals are capable of, this season they will want to go all the way and win the competition. After coming mighty close in the last edition's Final, they will definitely want to win it this season.

The Manchester Originals were on fire last season, and it was predominantly because of their batsmen who were in scintillating form. Phil Salt and Jos Butler were exceptional last season, and more of the same will be expected from them this season too.

The bowling department, however, will be a concern but with experienced bowling all-rounders in Ashton Agar and Jamie Overton, they are an extremely balanced squad. With Josh Little in their ranks, they will be dangerous as he is a natural wicket-taker.

Key Players: Jos Butler, Phil Salt, Ashton Agar, Josh Little

Manchester Originals Predicted Playing XI:

Jos Buttler, Usama Mir, Phil Salt, Laurie Evans, Ashton Turner, Jamie Overton, Tom Hartley, Richard Gleeson, Paul Walter, Josh Tongue, Josh Little, Wayne Madsen, Tom Lammonby, Mitchell Stanley, Max Holden, Fred Klaasen.

Manchester Originals Actual Playing XI:

Ashton Turner, Joshua Little, Josh Tongue, Jos Buttler, Jamie Overton, Laurie Evans, Max Holden, Philip Salt, Paul Walter, Tom Hartley, Usama Mir

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

The weather will be on the warmer side, with a 1-2% chance of rain on match day. The maximum and minimum temperatures will be in the 32°C - 18°C range.

WEF vs MCR Pitch Report

The Sophia Gardens in Cardiff has a decent crowd capacity of around 15,500 people. The stadium however does not have a history of producing high-scoring scorchers but low-scoring thrillers which could make the game a fascinating watch.

Toss: To Bowl

As both teams possess a strong batting unit, teams will look to win the toss and bowl first. As it is the second game in the tournament and also the ground is famous for teams chasing winning the game, bowling first will be the way to go after winning the toss.