OVI vs MAO Final Match Prediction

OVI vs MAO Team Previews

Oval Invincibles

The Oval Invincibles were clinical in their performance during the group stages. With just 1 loss in 8 matches, they finished at the top of the points table and gained a direct pass to the finals. This is the first time that the Invincibles have managed to come this far in the tournament's history.

It has been a team effort in the true sense for the Invincibles as every player has contributed to the team’s success thus far. Jason Roy and Will Jacks make up for a solid opening pair and will look to give the team a brisk start. Jacks is the leading run-scorer for the team and appears to be in fine form. Jason Roy has done well too but the team will want a big inning from him.

Sam Billings had a quiet start to the season but seems to be peaking in form just in time for the big match as he smashed an unbeaten 76 against the Trent Rockets earlier this week. His role will be especially important in the middle order as the Invincibles cope with the departure of Heinrich Klaasen. They have brought in Paul Stirling as a replacement and he is likely to bat at the number 3 position.

The team has 3 quality all-rounders in the form of Sam Curran, Tom Curran, and James Neesham, bringing in a lot of versatility. Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson will also be unavailable for this match. In their absence, Nathan Sowter and Gus Atkinson will be the key bowlers. 

Manchester Originals

After finishing second on the points table, the Manchester Originals defeated the Southern Brave in a high-scoring Eliminator to reach their second consecutive finals. They were defeated by the Trent Rockets last season and will be hopeful of getting a better outcome this time around.

Jos Buttler is in scintillating form with the bat and has led his team from the front. Buttler has scored 3 half-centuries in 9 innings, including in the last match, and is the leading run-scorer for the tournament. He has received good support from Phil Salt at the other end.

The middle order hasn’t been that consistent and can be a potential weakness for the team. While Jamie Overton has done a decent job lower down the order, the likes of Max Holden, Paul Walter, and Laurie Evans will need to bat better. Joshua Little, who is the team’s joint-highest wicket-taker this season, makes a comeback after international duty and will lead the pace attack along with Richard Gleeson, Paul Walter, and Zaman Khan.

Calvin Harrison picked up a brilliant fifer in his first appearance of the season but has remained wicketless in his past two appearances, making the spin attack a bit weak.