Women's The Hundred 2025: Manchester Originals Women vs Southern Brave Women – Match Preview

Date: Wednesday, 6th August 2025
Venue: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
Time: 3:00 PM GMT (15:00 BST)

Match Overview

The Women's Hundred 2025 continues to deliver high-octane cricket with a crucial clash between Manchester Originals Women and Southern Brave Women at the iconic Old Trafford on 6th August 2025. With both teams vying for momentum in the tournament, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest between two of the brightest talents in women’s cricket.

Manchester Originals, led by the explosive Beth Mooney and supported by a balanced squad, will be looking to bounce back after a mixed start to the season. On the other hand, Southern Brave, having finished rock bottom in 2024, will be eager to prove their mettle and break the cycle of underperformance.

Key Match Insights

Team Form

• Manchester Originals Women:
  The Originals started the 2024 season with promise but endured a three-match losing streak, which ultimately saw them finish sixth in the table. Beth Mooney and Kathryn Bryce were standout performers in 2024, with the latter contributing significantly with both bat and ball. However, the absence of Laura Wolvaardt (now with Southern Brave) has been a loss.

• Southern Brave Women:
  After a disappointing 2024 campaign where they won only one match, the Brave will be eager to make amends. With Laura Wolvaardt and Danni Wyatt-Hodge in their ranks, the Brave have the firepower to challenge any opposition. However, their bowling unit must step up to avoid repeating the mistakes of last season.

Players to Watch

Manchester Originals Women

• Beth Mooney (C & WK): The Australian maestro is a match-winner with her aggressive batting and sharp wicketkeeping. She has scored 616 runs in 15 innings in The Hundred and remains one of the most dangerous batters in the competition.
• Kathryn Bryce: A versatile all-rounder, Bryce has taken 17 wickets and scored over 370 runs in the tournament. Her ability to contribute across the innings makes her a key player.
• Esmae MacGregor: A young fast bowler with a knack for picking wickets. She has taken 21 wickets in 11 games and could be the difference in a tight match.

Southern Brave Women

• Danni Wyatt-Hodge: The experienced batter is the team’s primary run-scorer, amassing 728 runs in 26 games. She is one of the most reliable performers in the competition and will be expected to anchor the Brave innings.
• Laura Wolvaardt: The South African star, now with the Brave, is a consistent run-scorer and a crucial asset with her calm demeanor and technical prowess.
• Lauren Bell: A key bowler for the Brave, Bell has taken 17 wickets in 12 games. Her ability to control the middle overs will be vital.

Venue Statistics – Old Trafford, Manchester

• Average First Innings Score: 131.5 (2022–2025)
• Bowling Economy Rates:
  • Fast Bowlers: 7.79
  • Spin Bowlers: 7.12
• Wicket Distribution:
  • Powerplay: 1.71 wickets
  • Middle Overs: 2.69 wickets
  • Death Overs: 1.00 wicket
• Win Percentage:
  • Batting First: 50%
  • Batting Second: 50%

Old Trafford is a well-balanced venue, favoring neither batting nor bowling. However, the dew in the evening can offer some assistance to spinners.

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Matches)

• Manchester Originals Women: 2 wins
• Southern Brave Women: 2 wins
• Draws/No Results: 1

The teams have shared the spoils in recent encounters, indicating a closely contested rivalry.

Predicted Playing XI

Manchester Originals Women

1. Beth Mooney (Wicketkeeper)
2. Evelyn Jones
3. Amelia Kerr
4. Deandra Dottin
5. Fi Morris
6. Kathryn Bryce
7. Seren Smale
8. Alice Monaghan
9. Sophie Ecclestone
10. Lauren Filer
11. Mahika Gaur

Southern Brave Women

1. Danni Wyatt-Hodge
2. Laura Wolvaardt
3. Sophie Devine
4. Georgia Adams
5. Chloe Tryon
6. Freya Kemp
7. Mady Villiers
8. Rhianna Southby (Wicketkeeper)
9. Lauren Bell
10. Phoebe Graham
11. Tilly Corteen-Coleman

Weather Forecast

The match is expected to be played under clear skies with a 25% chance of precipitation. No significant weather disruptions are forecasted, ensuring the game should proceed as scheduled.

Match Prediction

Manchester Originals Women are the slight favorites to win this match, with a 55% chance of victory according to expert analysis. Their balanced squad and the form of Beth Mooney and Esmae MacGregor give them the edge. However, Southern Brave, with the inclusion of Laura Wolvaardt and the potential of their batters, are not without a chance.

Toss Prediction: Manchester Originals Women are expected to win the toss and choose to bat first, given the venue's batting-friendly nature and the team's preference in recent matches.

Betting Tips

• Match Winner: Manchester Originals Women (1.87 @ Parimatch)
• Top Batter:
  • Beth Mooney (Manchester Originals)
  • Danni Wyatt-Hodge (Southern Brave)
• Top Bowler:
  • Esmae MacGregor (Manchester Originals)
  • Lauren Bell (Southern Brave)
• Player of the Match: Beth Mooney (Manchester Originals)
• Sixes: Beth Mooney or Danni Wyatt-Hodge

Final Verdict

This is a match of balance and opportunity. Manchester Originals have the edge in terms of form and firepower, but Southern Brave, with their new signings and hungry mentality, can be a dangerous side. Expect a high-scoring, fast-paced encounter with both teams vying for a crucial win in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested The Hundred 2025.

Predicted Result: Manchester Originals Women to win by 5-10 runs.
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