Match 2 of The Hundred Women’s 2025, and the spotlight turns to Old Trafford as Manchester Originals face off against Southern Brave in what promises to be a thrilling early-season clash.
After finishing 6th in the 2024 edition, Manchester Originals comes into this contest with a sense of purpose and confidence, especially having dominated Southern Brave last season with three wins out of four. Southern Brave, meanwhile, will be hungry to flip the script after a disappointing campaign that saw them finish at the bottom of the table.
Squads:
Manchester Originals Women’s Cricket Team
Beth Mooney (C), Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr, Deandra Dottin, Seren Smale, Lauren Filer, Evelyn Jones, Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Amuruthaa Surenkumar, Danielle Gregory, Alice Monaghan, Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
Southern Brave Women’s Cricket Team
Georgia Adams (C), Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Laura Wolvaardt, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Sophie Devine, Freya Kemp, Chloe Tryon, Mady Villiers, Josie Groves, Rhianna Southby, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Phoebe Graham, Phoebe Turner, Amara Carr
Players to watch out:
Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney, a world-class wicketkeeper-batter and one of the most reliable performers in the modern game. Known for her calm presence and technical precision, Mooney is a captain who leads by example. In the 2024 edition of The Hundred, Mooney racked up 191 runs, including a spectacular unbeaten 99*. More recently, during the Australia Women’s tour of New Zealand, she returned to top form with an unbeaten 75* off 42 deliveries, followed by a fluent 70 in the second ODI.
Sophie Ecclestone
A genuine superstar in the women’s game, Sophie Ecclestone has been a cornerstone of the Manchester Originals since the tournament’s inception. The slow left-arm spinner, famed for her pinpoint accuracy, composure under pressure, and ability to choke runs, became the ICC’s No. 1-ranked T20I bowler at just 20. Ecclestone has also shown flashes of brilliance with the bat, accumulating 273 runs in the tournament so far with a top score of 36*. With 25 wickets to her name, including the best of 4/11, she is the complete package.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge
Wyatt-Hodge brings aggression, flair, and experience to Southern Brave. A top-order stroke-maker who can dismantle attacks on her day, she has been a mainstay in the Brave’s lineup since the team’s debut. She has compiled an impressive 907 runs in The Hundred, with a high score of 69*, and also contributes with the ball as a part-time offspinner, having taken 3 wickets, including a best of 2/16. During India Women’s tour of England, Wyatt played two solid knocks: 66 in the opening ODI and 56 in the final, showcasing her ability to rise to the occasion.
Freya Kemp
Kemp is a promising all-rounder who continues to grow with every season. Since her debut in 2022, she has contributed 213 runs in The Hundred, with a top score of 41*, and has also picked up wickets with her left-arm pace. Kemp’s most recent statement came in domestic cricket, where she delivered a headline-making innings of 109 for Hampshire against The Blaze in the 2025 One Day Cup. She is making herself as a well-rounded asset for Southern Brave heading into this campaign.
Pitch:
Old Trafford offers a balanced surface that brings both batters and bowlers into play. Known for its trustworthy bounce and early swing, pacers often enjoy the conditions. Spinners into the equation in the middle overs and under lights, batting becomes slightly easier as the pitch settles, making batting first a potentially smart choice to post a competitive total and apply scoreboard pressure.
Weather:
The weather in Manchester is expected to stay mostly cloudy with a temperature hovering around 20°C. Humidity is moderate at 60%, and there’s a 20% chance of precipitation, which might cause minor interruptions but shouldn’t heavily impact play.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Sophie Devine, Laura Wolvaardt, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Amelia Kerr, Deandra Dottin, Georgia Adams, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell, Freya Kemp, Chloe Tryon
Match Details:
Date – August 6, 2025
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast Details – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website and telecasted on Sony Sports Network.
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