Sophie Ecclestone will be in action for Manchester Originals. [Twitter]
Welsh Fire Women will square off against Manchester Original in the second match of the ongoing third edition of The Hundred competition. This will be the season's first game for both sides, and they will be looking to kick off their campaign with a win.
Team Previews
Welsh Fire Women
Tammy Beaumont and Hayley Matthews for Welsh Fire. [Twitter]
Welsh Fire has been the most disappointing side in this competition since its inaugural season back in 2021. The Cardiff based franchise has finished at the bottom of the table in the last two seasons and will be eyeing to turn things around this time.
They have included some big names for the brand new season in a bid to revive their underperforming side. England’s top-order batter Sophia Dunkley and South African pace ace Shabnim Ismail are two of the biggest additions to their squad.
Tammy Beaumont will lead the side, eyeing to write a new chapter for Welsh Fire. Overall, they have a much better squad, which can truly emerge as a team to beat this year.
Manchester Originals Women
Manchester Originals [Twitter]
On the other hand, Manchester Originals have always underperformed during the last two appearances back in 2021 and 2022. Coming into the third season, the team from the Old Trafford will be looking to change things up and put themselves as one of the title contenders in the tournament.
They have accumulated some of the biggest superstars of the game, including last years’ leading wicket taker Amanda Jade Wellington and star South African batter Laura Wolvaardt. Noticeably, they have arguably the best spin attack in the competition, with captain Sophie Ecclestone leading the pack.
The Originals got the better of Welsh Fire the last time these two sides met each other. They will be looking to repeat the same this time and start their 2023 season with a win.
WEF-W vs MNR-W: Match Details & Live Streaming
Date & Time: August 2nd, 04:00 PM IST
Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
Live Streaming: FanCode App and Website
WEF-W vs MNR-W: Pitch Report
The surface at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff has always been a tricky one for the batters. It does not offer much pace, and the batters find it difficult to hit it through the line. The team winning the toss should bat first. The first innings total is expected to be around 135.
WEF-W vs MNR-W: Probable Playing 11
Welsh Fire Women: Tammy Beaumont (c), Hayley Matthews, Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Bryce (wk), Georgia Elwiss, Alex Griffiths, Laura Harris, Alex Hartley, Freya Davies, Shabmim Ismail, Claire Nicholas
Manchester Originals Women: Deandra Dottin, Emma Lamb, Laura Wolvaardt, Ami Campbell, Kathryn Bryce, Sophie Ecclestone (c), Eleanor Threlkeld (wk), Amanda Jade Wellington, Katie George, Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris
WEF-W vs MNR-W: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-keepers: Sarah Bryce
Batters: Emma Lamb, Sophia Dunkley, Laura Wolvaardt, Tammy Beaumont
All-Rounders: Deandra Dottin, Hayley Matthews
Bowlers: Sophie Ecclestone, Amanda Jade Wellington, Shabnam Ismail, Claire Nicholas
Captain: Amanda Jade Wellington
Vice Captain: Laura Wolvaardt
WEF-W vs MNR-W: Winner Prediction
Looking at both the teams on paper and especially on the basis of the batting both the teams possess, Welsh Fire is expected to win this match against Manchester Originals.
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