Southern Brave and Trent Rockets will face against each other in the Eliminator of the Men’s Hundred, at The Oval, on Friday. The Rockets had won when the two sides played the last time.
The Rockets started their campaign with three wins on trot, but lost form midway. Then, in a must-win game with a Playoffs berth at stake, they crushed the Manchester Originals by seven wickets.
A disciplined bowling effort restricted the Originals to 135 before Dawid Malan struck 62 in 46 balls to guide the Rockets across the finishing line. Malan is the leading run-getter for his franchise, but his sub-par strike rate of 119 may backfire. They have an explosive opener in Alex Hales, but he has not quite stepped up so far.
The Rockets possess a deadly bowling attack. Their frontline bowlers have been firing on all cylinders. Rashid Khan, Marchant de Lange, Matthew Carter and Samit Patel have done well as a unit, with each of them bagging at least eight wickets to their name.
The Brave, meanwhile, will be coming on the back off a six-wicket victory against the Oval Invincibles. Colin de Grandhomme, whose unbeaten 40 off 28 deliveries propelled them to victory, will not be available for this game. Tim David is likely to take his place.
Left-arm spinner Jake Lintott has been quite a revelation. He has consistently troubled the batters, and is also the leading wicket-taker from Southern Brave.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Malan is always a reliable option for your fantasy team. He has been consistent with the bat, and a lot hinge on him, given the lean patch of Alex Hales.
- Among bowlers, pick Rashid, de Lange and Lintott.
- George Garton and Patel are two all-rounders for your fantasy team.
Probable XIs
Southern Brave: James Vince (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Paul Stirling, Alex Davies, Tim David, Ross Whiteley, Danny Briggs, Tymal Mills, Jake Lintott, George Garton, Chris Jordan
Trent Rockets: Lewis Gregory (c), Tom Moores (wk), Steven Mullaney, Samit Patel, Rashid Khan, Matthew Carter, Marchant de Lange, Samuel Cook, D Arcy Short, Alex Hales, Dawid Malan
Prediction
The Rockets to qualify for the final.