Published on: Aug 13, 2025 12:31 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 13, 2025 12:31 pm IST
After securing their first win of the season, the Manchester Originals are all set to lock horns against a team that is yet to open their winning account this season, i.e., the Welsh Fire, at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, Wales.
Manchester Originals have opened their winning account by taming the London Spirit in the last game by 10 runs. The team evaded a whirlwind effort from David Warner, who almost chased down 163 put up by Manchester Originals with a 51-ball 71, an innings that included 12 fours and a six. A win in the last game must have boosted their confidence, which they will take into this game to make it two wins in a row and get into the top 5 for the time being.
Meanwhile, Welsh Fire is yet to register a win in this competition. They have been struggling with their combination, and so far, it has been only a one-man show from Jonny Bairstow. The team is desperate for a win, as they are languishing right at the bottom of the points table and wouldn’t want to lose three in a row. Will they be able to prevail over the Manchester Originals? We’ll find out soon.
Let’s delve deeper into this post for the WEF vs MNR Dream11 prediction.
Date: 13th August 2025 Time: 11:00 PM IST Venue: Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales
Matches Played: 4 MNR won: 2 WEF won: 2 No Result: 0
Manchester Originals and Welsh Fire have locked horns four times in the history of Men’s Hundred. There’s not much to separate the two sides, as both teams have won 2 games each. Their last two battles were won by Welsh Fire.
The pitch at Sophia Gardens is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Seamers will enjoy early assistance with swing and seam movement, especially under overcast conditions and moderate humidity. Batters will need to be cautious during the initial phase, as the ball tends to nip around off the surface. However, once set, stroke-makers can take advantage of the decent carry and true bounce to accelerate. Spinners may find limited turn but can be effective with tight lines and variations in the middle overs. Historically, chasing teams have had the upper hand at this venue, with the last five matches won by the side bowling first. The average first innings score in recent games has hovered around 134, indicating a moderately paced surface that rewards smart batting and disciplined bowling. Expect captains to prefer fielding first, especially with dew likely to play a role in the second innings.
Here’s a table featuring The Hundred stats at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff:
MNR Expected Playing XI: Philip Salt (C), Ben McKinney, Jos Buttler (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Mark Chapman/Rachin Ravindra, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie, Noor Ahmad, Farhan Ahmed, Josh Tongue, Sonny Baker
WEF Expected Playing XI: Jonny Bairstow, Steve Smith, Tom Kohler-Cadmore/Stephen Eskinazi, Tom Abell, Luke Wells, Paul Walter, Josh Hull, Chris Green, David Payne, Riley Meredith, Mason Crane
As per the betting odds provided by most of the bettors, the Manchester Originals are tipped as the favorites to win this match and get going on the points table.
The all-important clash between Manchester Originals and Welsh Fire will take place on Wednesday, August 13, at 11:00 PM (IST). Online live streaming will take place on the SonyLiv App. The TV streaming will take place on Sony Ten 1 channel.
Wicket-keepers: Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen Batters: Phil Salt, B McKinney All-Rounders: Chris Green, Lewis Gregory, Scott Currie Bowlers: Noor Ahmad, Josh Tongue, Riley Meredith
C/VC Options- Jonny Bairstow, Phil Salt, Heinrich Klaasen, Lewis Gregory