Welsh Fire vs Oval Invincibles predictions: Zampa can put Fire in a spin

- Welsh Fire have yet to beat Oval Invincibles in three previous meetings
- The Invincibles lost only one game on their way to the title in 2023
- Adam Zampa took 3-11 from 20 balls on his Hundred debut
- Recommended bet: Adam Zampa to be top wicket taker for Oval Invincibles

Oval Invincibles made an impressive start to their defence of The Hundred Men's title to immediately underline why they are the favourites at 11/4 with LiveScore Bet to go all the way once again this year, dishing out an eight-wicket demolition job on Birmingham Phoenix on opening night.

Welsh Fire showed improved form last year when finishing fourth in the final standings, having won four of their eight games, only missing out on a place in the play-offs due to an inferior net run rate, on the back of failing to win a single match in 2022.

Tom Abell's men emulated the Invincibles' feat of an eight-wicket win in their opener this season, but perhaps in more impressive fashion as they disposed of the runners-up in the last two editions of the tournament, Manchester Originals.

Although it is too early to make assessments on the back of one result, Sunday's match could be a classic and give a pointer to the respective chances of each side for overall glory.

Team news

Josh Little should keep his place in the Fire line-up as fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Matt Henry are both still unavailable due to their commitments in Major League Cricket.

Having won their opening game so convincingly though, there is no obvious need to make any changes.

The same could almost be said of Oval Invincibles, who have also had an extra two days rest, with Gus Atkinson still absent due to his involvement in the third Test against West Indies.

Mohammad Amir took 2-7 against Birmingham but was only signed on a one-game contract and is now set to be replaced by Spencer Johnson.

Tom Curran and Jordan Cox missed out on the opener and will be hoping to get some game time on Sunday.

The stats

Welsh Fire cruised to an eight-wicket win over Manchester Originals on Thursday, chasing down the victory target of 87 with 43 balls to spare.

David Willey was the pick of the Fire attack, finishing with figures of 3-14 from 20 balls, although all five bowlers used took at least one wicket as the Originals were restricted to 86-8.

Adam Zampa showed his class by taking 3-11 as the Invincibles skittled the Phoenix for 89 on opening night, although Amir, Saqib Mahmood and Will Jacks each took two wickets to showcase the all-round balance in the Invincibles' bowling ranks.

These two sides have met three times before and Welsh Fire have yet to win a game, although last season's meeting ended in a tie in one of only two games that the Invincibles failed to win en route to the title.

Only Phil Salt (707) has scored more runs than Will Jacks (634) in the history of the Hundred, with the latter ranked fifth in 2023 with 227 runs to his name from nine innings.

Prediction

Given the emphatic nature of both sides' opening wins it may pay to swerve the match markets and although there is little to split the two at the odds, it is not unfair to see the champions as marginal favourites at 4/5 with LiveScore Bet.

Regardless, a chance is taken on world class spin bowler Adam Zampa repeating the feat of his tournament debut and finishing the game as the Oval Invincibles top wicket taker.

The Australian leg-spinner turned down Major League Cricket to appear in The Hundred and made an immediate impression with superb figures of 3-11 on Tuesday night.

The world number seven T20 bowler will be desperate to impress throughout and can continue his good start at the expense of the Fire on Sunday.

Back Adam Zampa to be the Oval Invincibles top wicket taker at 13/4 with LiveScre Bet.