The Hundred is back in full swing, and the opening matches have already served up a mix of power hitting, sharp bowling changes, and a few early shocks. Now, Edgbaston sets the stage for match four of The Hundred 2025, as Birmingham Phoenix square off with Trent Rockets. Both sides bring serious firepower — big-hitting batters, crafty bowlers, and enough star quality to light up the evening. This feels like the kind of scrap where one mad over could blow the whole thing wide open. Forget the textbook — check who’s been firing lately, spot the players itching for a battle, and keep an eye on those little head-to-heads that could tip it either way. stay with today match prediction
Match Overview
- Match: Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets, 4th Match, The Hundred 2025
- Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
- Time: 11:00 PM IST
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Edgbaston isn’t just about big hits and a roaring crowd — though it delivers plenty of both. Under the lights, a hint of swing can catch batters off guard, giving bowlers a window to strike. The home fans’ energy often feeds the Phoenix, and they’ll be hoping it does the trick again.
Birmingham Phoenix – Squad & Key Players
Squad: Liam Livingstone (c), Joe Clarke (wk), Ben Duckett, Will Smeed, Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, Adam Milne, Dan Mousley, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Chris Wood, Tom Helm, Aneurin Donald, Freddie McCann, Liam Patterson-White, Louis Kimber
Players to Watch
- Liam Livingstone – The skipper isn’t just there for the toss. Give him a sniff of a loose ball and it’s sailing into the stands. Add his knack for sneaky leg-spin breakthroughs, and you’ve got a captain who can swing momentum in more ways than one.
- Trent Boult & Tim Southee – Two seasoned campaigners who can make a brand-new ball talk. If there’s even a hint of swing under the lights, expect early damage.
- Will Smeed – Blink, and you might miss him tee off. He loves going hard from ball one, the sort of start that can rattle bowlers and set a blistering pace for the innings.
Phoenix’s batting line-up is deep, with the likes of Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke adding stability. With a mix of experience and flair, they’ll be aiming to dominate at home.
Trent Rockets – Squad & Key Players
Squad: Tom Banton (wk), David Willey (c), Tom Alsop, Joe Root, Sam Hain, Marcus Stoinis, Max Holden, George Linde, Adam Hose, Sam James Cook, Lockie Ferguson, Rehan Ahmed, Calvin Harrison, Callum Parkinson, Ben Sanderson, Dillon Pennington
Players to Watch
Joe Root remains the calm in any storm, working the gaps, rotating strike, and then shifting up a gear when the moment calls. Marcus Stoinis offers the complete package — brute force with the bat and the knack for striking with the ball when the pressure’s on. And then there’s Lockie Ferguson, all raw pace and hostility, the kind of bowler who can turn a good over into a game-changer.
The Rockets have a strong blend of batting depth and bowling firepower. If their top order clicks, they could post a big total or chase down any target.
Head-to-Head – What History Says
Past encounters between these teams have often been packed with runs and drama. While Edgbaston has tended to suit the Phoenix, the Rockets possess the kind of firepower that could easily flip the script. With both teams boasting explosive batters and international bowlers, past stats may not matter much — it could come down to who handles the pressure better on the day.
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch:
Edgbaston’s pitch is generally a belter for batters, with an even bounce that allows stroke play. Fast bowlers might get some help early on, but spinners will need to rely on variations. Chasing has been slightly easier here in The Hundred, as dew can make gripping the ball tricky for bowlers.
Weather:
Clear skies, a comfortable evening breeze, and no rain on the radar — it’s shaping up to be the kind of weather every cricket fan hopes for.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Livingstone vs Lockie Ferguson – Can Phoenix’s skipper handle Ferguson’s raw pace?
- Joe Root vs Trent Boult – A battle of technique and swing.
- Marcus Stoinis vs Tim Southee – Stoinis loves pace-on deliveries, but Southee’s swing could test him early.
Strategy & Possible Game Plan
For Birmingham Phoenix:
They’ll want to make full use of their powerplay overs with Smeed and Livingstone going hard upfront. Their bowlers, especially Boult and Southee, will aim for early breakthroughs to keep the Rockets’ power hitters at bay.
For Trent Rockets:
The plan might be to see off Boult and Southee, then attack the middle-overs bowlers. With finishers like Stoinis and Willey, they can accelerate late. Ferguson’s pace will be key in containing Phoenix’s batters.
Prediction – Who Has the Edge?
This is a tough one to call. Phoenix have home advantage and a dangerous top order, but the Rockets arguably have more balance in both departments. If Boult and Southee pick up early wickets, Phoenix could dictate terms. But if Root and Stoinis settle in, Rockets might take it away in the death overs.
Verdict:
A close game is on the cards, but Birmingham Phoenix’s familiarity with Edgbaston and their batting firepower might give them a slight edge. Expect a match decided in the final set of balls.
Betting Tips & Odds Insight
If you’re looking for cricket betting tips for this clash, here’s what our analysis suggests:
- Top Batter (Phoenix): Liam Livingstone – Proven match-winner, especially at home.
- Top Batter (Rockets): Joe Root – Consistent run-scorer who thrives under pressure.
- Top Bowler: Trent Boult – Swing early on could earn him key wickets.
- Most Sixes: Will Smeed – Loves clearing the ropes in the powerplay.
Risk Tip: Backing Marcus Stoinis for Player of the Match could be a gamble worth taking. He’s the kind of player who can flip the script in a few overs — clearing the ropes with the bat or breaking partnerships with the ball. A genuine wildcard for this contest.
Final Thoughts
The Hundred’s fast-paced format, every delivery carries weight — and this Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets matchup has all the makings of a nail-biter. Big names, an iconic venue, and high stakes — fans are in for a treat.
Both teams will want to stamp their authority early in the tournament, but in T20-style cricket, momentum can shift in a blink. Whether you’re a Phoenix supporter or backing the Rockets, one thing’s certain — this one’s not to be missed.
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