Birmingham Phoenix v Northern Superchargers
Friday 19 August, 19:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports
Team news
Phoenix can go second with a win and they are benefitting from a settled squad as other franchises lose players to international duty. Matthew Wade is not required by Australia for the Zimbabwe ODIs.
Possible XI: Smeed, Hammond, Moeen, Livingstone, Wade, Benjamin, Howell, Helm, van der Gugten, Brookes, Tahir
Superchargers are without Harry Brook as he is with the England squad. David Wiese missed the last match with Wahab Riaz possibly preferred because of Matt Potts' absence.
Possible XI: Lyth, Du Plessis, Willey, Pepper, Hose, Simpson, Bravo, van der Merwe, Waha, Rashid, Miles
Pitch report
The Rockets managed 145 at Edgbaston in defeat. There are signs the pitch is starting to take wear and tear after a heavy workload over the summer. This is not an overs game as a result and we would prefer Superchargers to bat first so we can short with confidence. Bet the runs line here.
How to play
Phoenix are 1.748/11 and we expect them to notch another win. Superchargers are out of the tournament with a defeat and they have lost key men at the worst time. Phoenix's mix of aggressive batting, clever bowlers and all-round smarts should prove too much. Bet the match odds here
Tops value
Chris Benjamin has opened for Phoenix this term so the 11/1 that he top scores is of interest. Likewise the 16s about Wiese who could bat anywhere from Nos 4 -7 if he plays. He has tremendous hitting power and has topped once already this term. Bet the Sportsbook markets here.