Welsh Fire Men vs Oval Invincibles Men Preview & Prediction | The Hundred 2024 | League Stage
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Welsh Fire left Manchester Originals in a ball of flames on Thursday night, but now face their hottest challenge against reigning champions the Oval Invincibles following their mauling of Birmingham Phoenix.
DATE & TIME: Sunday July 28th 2024: USA ET – 1:35pm / USA PT – 10:35am / UK – 6:35pm / India – 11:05pm
VENUE: Sofia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
WEATHER: Bright sunshine and light winds with hot temperatures of over 20c come the start of play.
HOW TO WATCH THE HUNDRED: USA – Willow & DAZN / UK – Sky Sports & BBC / India – Fancode Click here for a list of broadcasters in other territories
HOW TO GET TICKETS FOR THE HUNDRED: Click here for the latest ticket information for Welsh Fire Men vs Oval Invincibles Men
WELSH FIRE MEN FORM: FIRE MAKE SCORCHING START AFTER BURNING ORIGINALS
A clinical bowling performance that saw their left-arm pacers dominate ended with Welsh Fire restricting Manchester Originals to just 86/8 at Emirates Old Trafford, which the visitors chased down with eight wickets and a whopping 43 balls remaining.
OVAL INVINCIBLES MEN FORM: CHAMPIONS WASTE NO TIME STUFFING THE PHOENIX
Oval Invincibles sent a message on opening night of the men’s Hundred to anyone with ambitions of taking their title this year, as they battered Birmingham Phoenix. Bowling their opponents out for just 89, Sam Billing’s side ultimate won at a canter, also losing just two wickets.
WELSH FIRE MEN BETTING ANALYSIS
Both David Willey and David Payne were afforded plenty of joy in Welsh Fire’s first game with Willey in particular impressive, the Northants star picking up three wickets. His left arm variations offer multiple points of difference compared to other bowlers and he’ll be difficult for Oval Invincibles to attack. With that in mind, back Willey to gain over 1.5 match wickets for a second straight game.
Jonny Bairstow at the top of the order spoke about his desperation to get back into the England Test side after his side’s win against the Originals. It would be classic Bairstow if he backed his words up with a big score here. Consider a small stake on him to make a half-century, with a lucrative return on the cards if this bet was to come through.
OVAL INVINCIBLES MEN BETTING ANALYSIS
It won’t be easy for the Oval Invincibles top order, even of their ability to get much change out of this Welsh Fire bowling attack early on when taking into account the quality of the left-armers at the hosts’ disposal. When taking this into account, it may wind up a shrewd play to back the Invincibles to put up under 25.5 match runs for the first wicket.
Oval Invincibles have a quality left-arm pacer of their own though in Sam Curran, who like Willey and Payne, can also upon plenty of subtle variations to try and force wickets. He’ll have a big role to play for the visitors in this one and backing him to accrue over 1.5 match wickets looks a good move to make.
WELSH FIRE MEN VS OVAL INVINCIBLES MEN EXPERT PREDICTION
A really exciting match-up appears to be on the horizon between two teams who impressed hugely in their respective first games. Both top orders were clinical across their respective run chases, but it’s the bowling units who did the hard work and with each being very well-rounded, covering all bases.
However, if anyone can take down the Oval Invincibles bowlers, it would be Jonny Bairstow, especially a Jonny Bairstow with a point to prove. Opening the batting, Bairstow can take advantage of the field being up and get his side off to a fast start, regardless of whether the Fire are setting or chasing a target. Expect him to record a substantial score here.
WELSH FIRE MEN VS OVAL INVINCIBLES MEN TOP TIP: JONNY BAIRSTOW TO SCORE 30+ RUNS