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Trent Rockets have been one of the standout sides so far across the men’s Hundred and are riding the crest of a wave following their thrilling 1-run triumph over Manchester Originals on Monday, which saw them take wickets with the final two balls of the match.
DATE & TIME: Wednesday July 31st 2024: USA ET – 1:30pm / USA PT – 10:30am / UK – 6:30pm / India – 11:00pm
VENUE: Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England
WEATHER: Hot conditions with sunny spells and temperatures of 25c 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 Trent Rockets Men vs Birmingham Phoenix Men
TRENT ROCKETS MEN FORM: ROCKETS TWO FROM TWO AFTER THOMPSON HOLDS HIS NERVE
Trent Rockets are two from two although it looked for all the world like they were set for defeat in Manchester following late Sikandar Raza pyrotechnics. But Jordan Thompson was brilliant across the final set of five, varying his deliveries and dramatically stemming the flow of runs, before a slower ball bouncer with the final ball of the match forced a wicket and a dramatic 1-run victory.
BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX MEN FORM: LOWER ORDER CAMEOS EDGE PHOENIX OVER THE LINE
Like the Rockets, Birmingham Phoenix looked as if they would end up losing their last game after being reduced to 89-5 after 74 balls chasing 128. However, Jacob Bethell and Benny Howell had other ideas, the pair blasting 43 and 24 respectively at strike-rates of over 150 to help see the Phoenix home by three wickets with one ball to spare.
TRENT ROCKETS MEN BETTING ANALYSIS
Opener Tom Banton backed up his 66 against Northern Superchargers last Friday with 45 in Manchester on Monday, passing the 100-run mark already after just two games of the men’s Hundred so far. Such positive play and form should see bettors look to try and capitalise and backing Banton to rack up another 30+ runs here has to be favoured.
You’d expect Rashid Khan to have a big impact in a tournament like this and indeed he did last time out, taking two wickets vs the Originals. Domestic English batters don’t often get the chance to face Rashid with him having not played the T20 Blast for a number of years and this only enhances his wicket-taking potential. Back the Afghanistan star to finish as the Rockets’ top bowler on this occasion.
BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX MEN BETTING ANALYSIS
Birmingham Phoenix gained their first two points of the competition at the weekend, but haven’t looked totally convincing thus far. Their top order has struggled and Aneurin Donald at the top order has question marks surrounding his ability in such an important spot. Bettors should consider utilising the ‘Batter Match Runs’ market and back Donald to score under 15.5 match runs if he is given another chance.
In Sean Abbott though, the Phoenix do have a reliable and proven bowler, his right-arm pace capable of breaking open any batting order in short-form cricket. Abbott will be used at key periods across the Trent Rockets’ innings and a shrewd play may be to back the Australian to record 2+ wickets on this occasion.
TRENT ROCKETS MEN VS BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX MEN EXPERTPREDICTION
A tough game to predict when considering the strength-in-depth of Birmingham Phoenix’s batting order, which was on show across their last match, helping them overcome the Spirit. However, Trent Rockets appear the more well-rounded unit and the likes of Rashid Khan add an element of international class.
The form of Banton at the top of the order is critical for the Rockets and having a bowling attack who have already come up clutch under pressure can be worth its weight in gold. Add that to home advantage being in their favour and it’s well worth backing Trent Rockets to get over the line here.
TRENT ROCKETS MEN VS BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX MEN TOP TIP: TRENT ROCKETS MEN TO WIN
