Welsh Fire will take on Manchester Originals in the second league match of The Hundred 2023. The match will be played at the Sophia Gardens. Cardiff will be hosting a total of four games in the tournament and the home side would want to utilize the home support. This is a track where the fast bowlers will play a massive role.
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Tom Abell will be leading Welsh Fire in this season. The wicket-keeping trio of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Clarke and Glenn Phillips will be playing a massive role for them. Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will be making his debut and he has all the qualities in the world to make use of the favourable conditions.
Manchester Originals are led by England captain Jos Buttler. Interestingly, they have the batting trio of Phil Salt, Ashton Turner and Laurie Evans in their ranks as well. All three of them have been a part of Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League in the past. The bowling of this side is not looking that strong on paper.
Sophia Gardens Cardiff Pitch Report
The pitch at the Sophia Gardens is one of the most competitive tracks out there in the country. This is one of those tracks where the pacers have enjoyed bowling. There is a good amount of bounce on the wicket and the new ball produces a good amount of movement as well. However, once the batters can get their eyes set, they will also love playing their shots.
A total of four matches of The Hundred were played here last year. The average first innings score was 132 runs and the target were successfully chased twice. Furthermore, the average T20I score at this stadium has been just 150 runs which speaks a lot about it. An overcast day is expected in Cardiff which could further favour the fast bowlers.
The boundary dimensions are also in the bowlers’ favour with the mid-wicket boundary being around 84 metres. However, the straighter side is just around 60 metres and the batters can clear them easily. Additionally, the faster outfield will also be handy for the batting side. With all being said, we have witnessed some smashing innings on this ground.
The last T20I here was played between England and South Africa last year. In that match, batter Rilee Rossouw played a knock of 96* (55). Chasing has generally been preferred here and the weather conditions may tempt the captains to bowl after winning the toss.
