Birmingham Phoenix's search for a win at home 

Betting Odds

MATCH PREVIEW     

We are in the 4th game in the ongoing The Hundred Men's Competition 2025. The Birmingham Phoenix, who were a bit unlucky last season, will take on the Trent Rockets in their first game. The Birmingham Phoenix lost in the Eliminator last season and enjoyed a good campaign with key players delivering the goods. The team has won the last three games at this venue and will start with better odds. The Trent Rockets will look for a good start after having a mixed bag of a season last year. It is the first game for both teams, and we expect a close contest.  

Birmingham Phoenix Preview      

Liam Livingstone takes charge of the Birmingham Phoenix for this season. They had a good campaign last year under Moeen Ali, finishing second on the points table at the league stage. They lost a thrilling Eliminator against the Southern Brave that ended in a tie and was decided in the Super 5. The team will take the lead on cricket betting sites in this game. Livingstone is one of the best players in this format, and he will look to get his team off to a good start in the season.  

Ben Duckett was the most consistent batsman for the team last season, and he will look to deliver a good start with his new partner, Will Smeed. Joe Clarke will look to anchor the innings in the middle order and add runs with Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell. Dan Mousley and Benny Howell are good finishers, and the team expects quick runs from them in the lower middle order.  

The team has strengthened its bowling attack this season. Tim Southee did well last year, and he must strike early in the game with Adam Milne. Trent Boult’s entry strengthens the bowling attack for the team, and he will look to do well in the middle with Chris Wood. The team will expect a good show in the supporting roles from Benny Howell and Dan Mousley.  

Expected Starting XI for Birmingham Phoenix     

Liam Livingstone (c), Will Smeed, Ben Duckett, Joe Clarke (wk), Dan Mousley, Benny Howell, Jacob Bethell, Adam Milne, Chris Wood, Tim Southee, Trent Boult 

Trent Rockets Preview      

David Willey is the new captain, and he will look to turn the team’s fortunes this season. 2024 was a disappointing season for the team, as they failed to capitalize on opportunities and didn’t progress beyond the league stage. They will start this game behind on cricket betting apps, and Willey would like to defy the odds and make a grand start to the season by winning the game.  

Tom Banton is the main batter in the team, and he will look to deliver a good start with Max Holden. Joe Root has made runs this year, and he will look to build partnerships in the middle order with Marcus Stoinis and David Willey. George Linde and Tom Alsop can hit the ball hard, and they will look to create some fireworks in the final stages of the innings.  

The side has a strong bowling attack, and they will need tight spells with the new ball from Sam Cook and Akeal Hosein. Callum Parkinson and Lockie Ferguson must deliver a strong show in the middle of the innings as Phoenix has a strong batting lineup. George Linde and Marcus Stoinis add depth to the attack, and the team expects them to bowl tight lines.  

Expected Starting XI for Trent Rockets     

David Willey (c), Tom Banton (wk), Tom Alsop, Joe Root, Marcus Stoinis, Akeal Hosein, George Linde, Callum Parkinson, Lockie Ferguson, Sam Cook, Max Holden  

TOSS: To Bowl First      

In the last two seasons, we have had big wins for the sides that have chased the score. The wicket will initially assist the bowlers, and the conditions will ease as the game progresses. The side winning the toss would look to bowl first and dismiss the opposition to a small total.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

We expect overcast skies over Birmingham during the game, and the bowlers will enjoy bowling in these conditions. We have seen low-scoring contests at this venue this year, and batsmen must work hard to do well. The side batting first will be happy to reach the 150-run mark.  

OUR PREDICTION      

The Trent Rockets have made wholesale changes to the squad this season. The bowling attack will face a tough challenge in the game, and the onus will be on them to deliver a good show. The Birmingham Phoenix has a strong batting lineup, and the team has enjoyed a good record at this venue. We expect it to be a close game, but Birmingham Phoenix will start as favorites at Edgbaston.  

Our prediction is for Birmingham Phoenix  to win