Birmingham Phoenix Men vs Oval Invincibles Men – 12 Aug 2025 Preview & Prediction

Introduction

The 2025 Men’s Hundred heads to Edgbaston on Tuesday evening as Birmingham Phoenix Men host the defending champions, Oval Invincibles Men. Phoenix have endured a tough start, losing both of their opening games and sitting near the bottom of the table. By contrast, Invincibles look strong as they chase a third straight title, winning their first two matches convincingly. With a 6:30 p.m. start under the lights, this day‑night clash promises high‑quality cricket and a passionate Birmingham crowd.

Birmingham Phoenix Men’s recent form

Phoenix’s recent record makes for mixed reading. In 2024 they reached the Eliminator but lost to Southern Brave in a Super Over. They began 2025 with back‑to‑back defeats: on 8 August they fell to Trent Rockets by six wickets and on 10 August Southern Brave hammered them by nine wickets. Prior to those losses Phoenix had ended 2024 with wins over Manchester Originals and Rockets, meaning their last five results read W W L L L. The batting has struggled; Phoenix were bowled out for 89 against Brave and managed only 135 against Rockets.

Despite the team’s slump, there are positives. Left‑hander Ben Duckett has been Phoenix’s standout batter with 289 runs in nine matches at an average 48.17 and blistering strike‑rate 160.55. Big‑hitting skipper Liam Livingstone has 185 runs at 122.51 strike rate but needs to improve his consistency. New Zealand pacer Tim Southee leads the attack with 14 wickets at an economy of 7.68, while Adam Milne offers pace and bounce, claiming 12 wickets at 7.28 economy. Phoenix’s key will be getting runs on the board and striking early to unsettle the Invincibles top order.

Oval Invincibles Men’s recent form

Invincibles have started their title defence brilliantly. They thrashed London Spirit by six wickets on 5 August and then demolished Manchester Originals by nine wickets on 9 August. Going back to last season, Invincibles have won four of their last five matches, including the 2024 final, with their only defeat being against Rockets in 2024. This consistency sees them top of the table.

Will Jacks has been instrumental at the top of the order, scoring 235 runs in his last ten matches with a strike‑rate 158.78. Fellow opener Jordan Cox provides stability with 226 runs at an average 37.67. The bowling attack is spearheaded by left‑arm seamer Sam Curran, who has taken 22 wickets at an impressive economy of 6.7 and strike rate 8.13. Leg‑spinner Nathan Sowter adds control, taking seven wickets and conceding just 7.2 runs per over. Invincibles’ balanced squad also boasts Kiwi speedster Trent Boult and all‑rounder Tom Curran, giving them depth in all departments.

Edgbaston pitch and conditions

Edgbaston is renowned for its lively atmosphere and balanced pitch. In the Women’s game earlier this week the surface offered even assistance to pacers and spinners and rewarded positive batting. Reports suggest Edgbaston provides good pace and bounce early before slowing as the match progresses, making chasing tricky. Captains often choose to bat first to exploit the best of conditions and avoid batting under lights on a used wicket. A total in the 150‑160 range is considered competitive. The weather forecast for Birmingham on 12 August is dry and pleasant, perfect for an evening of cricket.

Prediction and Dream11 fantasy team

Phoenix desperately need a victory to revive their campaign, but they face a formidable Invincibles side in red‑hot form. For Phoenix, runs from Duckett and Livingstone are essential, while Southee and Milne must exploit any early movement. Invincibles will look to Jacks and Cox to provide a fast start and rely on Curran and Sowter to squeeze Phoenix’s middle order. Considering form and squad balance, Oval Invincibles Men are favourites to win; however, Edgbaston’s conditions and a passionate home crowd could inspire a Phoenix upset.

#### Dream11 Fantasy Team

To maximise fantasy points, mix proven performers with differential picks:

Wicketkeeper: Jordan Cox (OI‑M) – dependable glove‑work and in‑form batting.
Batters: Ben Duckett (BP‑M), Liam Livingstone (BP‑M), Will Jacks (OI‑M), Will Smeed (BP‑M).
All‑rounders: Sam Curran (OI‑M, captain), Benny Howell (BP‑M), Tom Curran (OI‑M, vice‑captain).
Bowlers: Tim Southee (BP‑M), Adam Milne (BP‑M), Nathan Sowter (OI‑M).

Captain: Sam Curran – consistent wicket‑taker and handy lower‑order hitter. Vice‑captain: Tom Curran – contributes with both bat and ball.

Final word

Edgbaston under lights is a fantastic spectacle and this match should be no different. Phoenix will be desperate to end their losing streak, but the Invincibles are a well‑oiled machine eyeing another title. Expect an entertaining contest with quality bowling and big hitting – and perhaps a Phoenix resurgence. Tune in at 6:30 p.m. on 12 August for this unmissable Men’s Hundred showdown.