The Hundred Tips Matches 7 and 8: Best bets for Sunday's double header

Manchester Super Giants v Birmingham Phoenix The Hundred Tips

Click here for Manchester Super Giants v Birmingham Phoenix odds
Sunday 26 July, 14:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Super Giants and Phoenix both come into this contest after upsetting the odds. MSG trumped Spirit in a close, attritional contest at Lord's while Phoenix triumphed in a runfest at Edgbaston over Rockets. Yet Super Giants are clear jollies with Betfair Sportsbook at 8/111.73.

The pitch should be somewhere between the two at Old Trafford; something for the batters and bowlers. Although the runs stats have the venue as the third-lowest scoring, the heatwave has meant faster outfields and baked squares. The average first-innings score is 144.

We can be pretty sure that spin will be the order of the day regardless. It has so often been one for the twirlers and the dry heat does not change that. For players to follow, that brings four into focus.

For the hosts Aiden Markram and Noor Ahmad could be in the game. Markram with his part-time spin while Noor has been recruited specifically to make use of this track. The pair are 17/29.50 and 4/15.00 respectively for top bowler.

Rehan Ahmed and Usman Tariq should be crucial for Phoenix. Rehan is likely to bat at No 3 again while Usman Tariq's variation and strange bowling style could have some home batters confused. Playing top bowler for either is fine but the performance markets allow catches and runs to get us out of trouble (1pt per run scored, 10 per catch, 20 per wicket). Sportsbook offer overs plays at 35.5 for Rehan at 5/61.84 and 20.5 for Usman at 5/42.25.

Trent Rockets v London Spirit The Hundred Tips

Click here for Trent Rockets v London Spirit odds
Sunday625 July, 18:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

London Spirit are the fancied side to go deep into this tournament. But they suffered a loss in their opener against Manchester Super Giants, which check aspirations.

They would have been bitterly disappointed not to get over the line against Super Giants, having controlled large parts of the game. Bowling first they checked a powerful MSG top order and restricted them to 138, which is below the average score for Lord's. Seven different bowling options were used, highlighting their depth.

In the chase Liam Livingstone and Dewald Brevis were set having been required to launch a rescue mission at 51 for three. It just required a late onslaught. But it never really came and the rate got out of control. They lost by seven runs.

Was that defeat more alarming than Rockets' loss at Edgbaston on Friday night? No. We are much more impressed by a team which can show control in the field and fail to get over the line with the bat than one that is despatched to all parts. Rockets conceded a massive 214.

Spirit, therefore, can have a little faith shown in them, particularly at odds-against. Betfair Sportsbook offer 11/102.11. In time that could look a chunky price but at this stage it seems right that this should be a choice affair. Under the tutelage of Andy Flower it is right to expect smart, combative play from Spirit. Starting now.

The Trent Bridge surface might have changed in nature. It will need to if the Rockets' recruitment is anything to go by. They have gone with hitters so will want roads. If so, Spirit's nous in the field becomes extra valuable.

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