Southern Brave v Welsh Fire predictions and cricket betting tips

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for Southern Brave Men v Welsh Fire Men in The Hundred on Wednesday.

Where to watch

BBC Two, Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, TikTok, 7pm

Best bet

Southern Brave
1pt 8-11 Coral, Ladbrokes

Preview

Southern Brave were crowned champions in the inaugural season of The Hundred last year but began their campaign with back-to-back defeats and will be looking for a stronger start to the 2022 edition of the franchise tournament.

Brave eventually found their feet to win five of their eight regular-season matches in The Hundred before thumping Trent Rockets in the eliminator and beating Birmingham Phoenix in the final.

Although their squad will be more unsettled by international cricket this season, they have kept together the same core with Quinton de Kock, James Vince and Ross Whiteley making up a dangerous batting contingent.

De Kock, however, will miss this opener due to international commitments.

Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has been added to the fold and Southern Brave should fancy their chances of justifying 8-11 favouritism against Welsh Fire.

Cardiff-based Fire finished the first season of The Hundred with five defeats in eight games and the worst net run rate in the division (-0.827).

They were one of the sides to capitalise on Southern Brave's early vulnerabilities last season, beating them by 18 runs in July 2021.

But by the time Brave had hit their stride in August, they recorded an eight-wicket triumph over Fire and they could again be too strong.

Welsh Fire have tried to add depth to their ranks with the arrivals of Australia spinner Adam Zampa and South Africa batsman David Miller but they were criticised for being too reliant on Jonny Bairstow last season.

And they cannot afford to do the same again given that their main man Bairstow comes into this tournament following a hectic summer of action with England.

They could struggle to match Southern Brave at the Rose Bowl on opening night.

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