Edgbaston is set to light up tonight as Birmingham Phoenix take on the table-topping Oval Invincibles in what could be a turning point match for both sides — albeit for very different reasons.
For Oval Invincibles, this is an opportunity to maintain their 100% win record and strengthen their grip at the top of The Hundred 2025 table. Two matches, two wins, a commanding +3.133 net run rate, and complete dominance with both bat and ball — they have been the team to beat so far.
For Birmingham Phoenix, however, this game is about salvaging pride and reigniting their season. Two matches, two heavy defeats, and the worst net run rate in the competition (-1.596) tell a grim story. Unless they reverse their fortunes quickly, the 2025 campaign could spiral out of control.
Contrasting Starts to the Season
The Phoenix’s season so far has been a tale of batting collapses and missed opportunities. In their opener against Trent Rockets, they managed just 122/6, a total the Rockets chased with ease. Things got worse in their second match against Southern Brave, where they limped to 106/7 and were thrashed by nine wickets.
The story has been worryingly consistent: early wickets, lack of partnerships, and over-reliance on Joe Clarke and Liam Livingstone. While Clarke has played with intent and Livingstone has tried to counter-attack, the rest of the top order has simply not fired.
The Invincibles, meanwhile, have been nothing short of ruthless. They kicked off with a six-wicket win over London Spirit, chasing with composure, before producing a statement performance against Manchester Originals, winning by nine wickets.
Key to their dominance has been their opening pair — Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye — who have been explosive in the powerplay, setting up chases with fearless hitting. Add to that the world-class spin of Rashid Khan and the all-round firepower of Sam Curran and Tom Curran, and it’s clear why they’re flying.
Head-to-Head: Phoenix’s Dominance
While current form favors the Invincibles, history leans heavily towards Phoenix:
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Matches Played: 4
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Phoenix Wins: 3
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Invincibles Wins: 1
The Phoenix have traditionally had the upper hand, often out-batting the Invincibles in past seasons. But those wins came when Phoenix’s batting was firing — something that hasn’t been the case this year.
Birmingham Phoenix – Team Analysis
Strengths:
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Liam Livingstone’s versatility — explosive hitter and handy spin option.
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World-class pace attack with Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
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Edgbaston home advantage.
Weaknesses:
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Over-reliance on two or three batters.
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Middle-order fragility.
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Slow starts in powerplay overs.
Key Players:
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Joe Clarke – One of the few bright spots with the bat.
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Liam Livingstone – Needs a captain’s knock to inspire a turnaround.
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Trent Boult – Will need early wickets to dent the Invincibles’ batting.
Oval Invincibles – Team Analysis
Strengths:
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Dominant batting line-up with Jacks, Muyeye, and Jordan Cox.
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Match-winning all-rounders in the Curran brothers.
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Rashid Khan’s ability to control the middle overs.
Weaknesses:
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Slight over-reliance on top three for runs.
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If Rashid Khan is taken on successfully, middle-overs control could be tested.
Key Players:
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Will Jacks – Powerplay destroyer.
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Rashid Khan – The ultimate game-changer.
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Sam Curran – Impact player with bat and ball.
Tactical Battles to Watch
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Trent Boult vs Will Jacks – Left-arm swing vs aggressive right-hand powerplay hitting.
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Rashid Khan vs Liam Livingstone – Two big T20 names going head-to-head.
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Sam Curran vs Phoenix middle order – Curran’s variations could exploit Phoenix’s fragility.
Edgbaston Pitch Report
Edgbaston under lights is generally a batting-friendly venue with true bounce and carry, allowing stroke-makers to flourish. Pacers get movement early, while spinners may find some grip later. Dew in evening games often makes chasing a preferred strategy.
Likely XIs
Birmingham Phoenix:
Ben Duckett, Will Smeed, Liam Livingstone (c), Jacob Bethell, Joe Clarke (wk), Benny Howell, Adam Milne, Dan Mousley, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Chris Wood.
Oval Invincibles:
Will Jacks, Tawanda Muyeye, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Sam Billings (wk/c), Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Rashid Khan, Nathan Sowter, Saqib Mahmood, Jason Behrendorff.
Fantasy Picks – Dream11
Wicketkeepers: Joe Clarke, Ben Duckett
Batters: Liam Livingstone, Will Jacks, Tawanda Muyeye, Jacob Bethell
All-rounders: Benny Howell, Tom Curran, Sam Curran
Bowlers: Trent Boult, Rashid Khan
Captain Choices:
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Ben Duckett (c), Sam Curran (vc)
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Rashid Khan (c), Liam Livingstone (vc)
Match Prediction
The Invincibles have been playing near-perfect cricket and arrive with confidence and momentum. Phoenix have home advantage, but unless their top order clicks, it’s hard to see them overpowering the Invincibles’ depth.
Prediction: Oval Invincibles to win in a high-scoring chase.
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