The Hundred Tips Games 25 and 26: Invincibles to march on

• Rockets need to work out Root use

• Invincibles looking strong

• Klaasen a bet at 10/34.33

Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix
Saturday 19 August, 14:30
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix team news

Rockets have been all over the shop since Joe Root was shoehorned into the team. He opened in their defeat by Originals last time out. Goodness knows where they'll try him this time. As said previously, they've mucked around with established player roles for their England star and have paid the price.

Possible XI: Hales, Root, Kohler-Cadmore, Munro, Sams, Hain, Gregory Patel, Sodhi, L Wood, Cook

Phoenix have one win in six and, frankly, have been dreadful. Their power batting line-up has not turned up, best personified by Will Smeed's 68 runs in five innings.

Probable XI: Smeed, Ducket,, Smith, Livingstone, Moeen, Mousley, Howell, Woakes, Milne, Sangha, Richardson

Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix pitch report

Four from ten of the first-innings in this format at Trent Bridge have breached 145. Five matches have been won by the chaser. Phoenix have struggled to under 120 twice in this tournament and could be a solid short on the par line.

Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix match odds

Rockets are 1.824/5 with Phoenix 2.1211/10. Given both teams' penchant for calamity this term we're not rushing to get involved here, particularly with skinny odds on the hosts.

If Root were not involved at all and they returned to their best XI with players in the right slots we'd be convinced so wait for team news.

Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix player bets

There have been some chunky prices on top bowlers this competition. We had a nice winner on dead heat rules with Daniel Sams last time so if 4/15.00 is available it's play it again Sams.

Southern Brave v Oval Invincibles
Saturday 19 August, 18:00
TV: Live on Sky Sports

Southern Brave v Oval Invincibles team news

Brave have called up Colin Ackermann as a replacement player for keeper-batter Alex Davies who is injured. They're second before Friday's match after beating Phoenix and look strong with Chris Jordan fit again.

Possible XI: Conway, Allen, Vince, du Plooy, Garton, David, Ackermann, Jordan, Rehan, C Overton, Mills

Invincibles have lost Jordan Cox to injury. Durham's Graham Clark comes in. Sunil Narine has left for the CPL. Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson could be playing their penultimate game.

Probable XI: Roy, Jacks, Klaasen, S Curran, Whiteley, S Billings, Muyeye, Chappell, Zampa, Sowter, Johnson

Southern Brave v Oval Invincibles pitch report

Four of the first-innings in 12 games at the Ageas Bowl have busted 150 or more and as a result only four scores have been defended. Oval's batting has been strong, though, and they could bust a par line which takes into account ground form.

Southern Brave v Oval Invincibles match odds

Oval are 1.875/6 for this one and if the toss goes their way - they bowl first - that could be a bet. They look a dangerous unit and are keen to press home their advantage at the head of the ladder.

There is no let up with the side finishing in first position going straight to the final. Brave have won their last two but we remain unconvinced about batting prowess.

Southern Brave v Oval Invincibles player bets

Heinrich Klaasen is a reliable wager and we're surprised 10/34.33 is available for top Oval bat. He should bat at No 3 now that Cox has been ruled out. Finn Allen and Will Jacks are price-boosted to 16/54.20 and 10/34.33 respectively.