The Hundred Men’s Competition 2025 is already heating up, and we’re diving right into the 2nd match of the season — Manchester Originals vs Southern Brave — set for August 6, 2025, at the iconic Emirates Old Trafford. With both squads stacked with talent, and odds swinging evenly, this one is shaping up to be a thrilling face-off.
If you’re a cricket fan, punter, or just curious about how this match could unfold, this blog breaks down everything you need to know — from team form to player insights and sharp betting angles.
Match Details at a Glance
- Match: Manchester Originals vs Southern Brave
- Date: Wednesday, August 6, 2025
- Time: 11:00 PM IST
- Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- Format: The Hundred (100 balls per side)
Team Previews & Player Watch
Manchester Originals
Captain: Philip Salt
Key Players: Jos Buttler, Heinrich Klaasen, Noor Ahmad, James Anderson
Manchester’s squad is a blend of experience and explosiveness. Jos Buttler brings proven firepower at the top. Philip Salt adds aggression and stability, while Klaasen is a dependable finisher. Add legends like James Anderson and young stars like Noor Ahmad to the bowling mix, and you’ve got a balanced side.
Strengths:
- Explosive batting in the top 4
- Quality spin from Noor Ahmad
- Home ground advantage
Concerns:
- Pace attack depth could be tested
- Reliance on Buttler-Salt partnership
Southern Brave
Captain: James Vince
Key Players: Finn Allen, Jason Roy, Jofra Archer, Reece Topley
Southern Brave are no strangers to big games. With hitters like Finn Allen and Jason Roy, they can chase down anything. And the bowling? Jofra Archer, Chris Jordan, and Topley make up one of the fiercest pace trios in this year’s competition.
Strengths:
- Explosive power hitters up top
- Lethal pace attack for death overs
- Great fielding unit
Concerns:
- Can be vulnerable if top order collapses
- Archer’s fitness under watch
Latest Odds & Betting Markets (from trusted Indian sites)
Let’s break down the live odds and what they tell us about the match:
Match Winner (incl. Super Over)
- Manchester Originals: 1.89
- Southern Brave: 1.85
The bookmakers are giving this a near 50/50 split — and for good reason. While Southern Brave have the pace edge, Manchester’s batting at home is solid. Slight edge: Southern Brave for depth.
Toss Winner
- Manchester Originals: 1.87
- Southern Brave: 1.87
Toss odds are even. But remember — in The Hundred, chasing teams win more often. Whoever wins the toss might opt to bowl first.
Team to Win Toss & Match
- Manchester Originals: 3.50
- Southern Brave: 3.45
- Neither: 1.94
If you’re looking for a slightly riskier angle, Southern Brave to win both toss and match at 3.45 has decent value, especially if they bowl first and chase.
First Dismissal (Total Runs – Over/Under 20.5)
- Manchester Originals Over 20.5: 1.83
- Under 20.5: 1.83
- Southern Brave Over 20.5: 1.83
- Under 20.5: 1.83
Historically, both teams lose early wickets cautiously. Over 20.5 on both teams looks steady for those aiming for safer bets.
Expert Betting Tips
Let’s not just look at odds — here’s how to think like a smart bettor:
1. Back Manchester if They Chase
Their top order is well-suited to pacing chases, especially at Old Trafford. Buttler and Salt are dangerous with targets in sight.
2. Player Prop Bets:
- Jos Buttler to score 30+ — He loves this ground and starts tournaments strong.
- Finn Allen for 2+ sixes — If he gets going, he clears boundaries with ease.
- Top Manchester wicket-taker: Noor Ahmad — UAE conditions or not, his spin will trouble right-handers.
3. Live Betting Tip:
If Manchester loses an early wicket but retains Buttler or Klaasen, look for live odds value — they tend to recover fast through middle overs.
Pitch Report & Conditions
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford
Conditions: Dry surface, good for batting early on. Slight spin assist in second innings.
Average Score: 135+ in The Hundred format
Weather: Slight cloud cover, 10% chance of light showers — should allow full play.
What this means: Expect a high-tempo start. Spinners could influence the game late. Ideal conditions for batters who rotate strike and then accelerate.
Players to Watch
Jos Buttler (Manchester Originals)
A seasoned campaigner and game-changer. If he survives the powerplay, expect fireworks.
Noor Ahmad (Manchester Originals)
The mystery spinner has been turning heads. Could be key against Brave’s aggressive top order.
Jofra Archer (Southern Brave)
If he’s fully fit, he’s the most dangerous weapon on the field. Watch for his death overs.
Jason Roy (Southern Brave)
He’s unpredictable — but if it’s his day, he can win the match alone.
Predicted Playing XI
Manchester Originals:
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Philip Salt (c)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Mark Chapman
- Ben McKinney
- Lewis Gregory
- Noor Ahmad
- George Garton
- Josh Tongue
- James Anderson
- Tom Hartley
Southern Brave:
- James Vince (c)
- Finn Allen (wk)
- Jason Roy
- Laurie Evans
- Leus du Plooy
- Michael Bracewell
- Chris Jordan
- Jofra Archer
- Reece Topley
- Jordan Thompson
- Danny Briggs
Final Prediction
Winner Prediction: Southern Brave
They’ve got the bowling attack to exploit any early trouble in Manchester’s top order and depth in both batting and bowling.
Value Bet: Top Team Batter – Jos Buttler
He’ll open and control the innings — great odds usually available pre-match.
Smart Summary for Bettors
- Pick Southern Brave if they bowl first
- Go for live bets on boundaries once powerplay is done
- Monitor toss closely – winning the toss gives a massive edge in this format
- Don’t ignore under markets – especially for first dismissals and fall-of-wickets props
Where to Bet Safely in India?
We recommend only using trusted, legal cricket betting sites in India. Always check for license, odds variety, cashout options, and data privacy.
And remember — cricket betting is fun when it’s smart and responsible. Stick to what you’re okay with losing—betting should never stretch your limits. If you’ve enjoyed the insights here, save this page or drop by each day during The Hundred 2025 for fresh takes and match-day updates.
Want predictions for tomorrow’s game? Drop your details at cricketbettingtips.org