The Hundred is a new take on cricket, a 100-ball game that has been described as the “future of sport”. It’s already gained huge popularity in the UK and now Manchester Originals are playing host to London Spirit at Old Trafford.
| Emirates Old Trafford, Men’s Hundred |
| Rossington 46 (29), Morgan 22* (16); Hartley 3-27; London Spirit 142-6 (100 balls). |
| Ackermann 53 (40), Wheal 4-17, Cullen 2-19, Manchester Originals 136-9 (100 balls). |
| The London Spirit won by a score of six runs. |
| Table; Scorecard |
The London Spirit won their first match of the men’s Hundred by defeating Manchester Originals in an exciting encounter at Old Trafford in front of a sold-out crowd.
Spirit, who were already out of the tournament, scored 142-6 in a match shown live on Two, with Adam Rossington hitting 46 off 29 balls and skipper Eoin Morgan unbeaten on 22 off 16 deliveries.
Originals were behind 21-3 in response, but Colin Ackermann’s 53 from 40 balls sparked a comeback for the home side.
Spirit debutant Brad Wheal, who took a magnificent 4-17, maintained his nerve with some excellent death bowling with nine required from five deliveries.
Despite the victory, Originals are still fifth in the standings, one point off of the top three qualifying spots, while Spirit are still last.
Spirit shines brightly in the eyes of children.
Spirit gave Wheal his first game with no pressure and no need to perform for points or qualifying, and the 24-year-old seized the chance.
Phil Salt, the dangerous opener, and top-scorer Ackermann were among his four wickets.
But it was his ability to bowl dot balls that proved most remarkable, as Originals were unable to score from 14 of his 19 deliveries.
Another young Spirit seamer, on the other hand, had a day to remember.
On paper, Blake Cullen’s numbers of 1-32 don’t jump out, but the 19-year-old showed tremendous maturity during a fight with Carlos Brathwaite of the Originals.
Cullen rewarded his captain’s trust in him by removing the big-hitting batter when Originals needed only 11 from eight balls, having previously been dismissed for three sixes by the West Indian.
Spirit’s first season in The Hundred may have been a disappointment, but there will be plenty of things to build on for next season.
Enjoy the wonderful moments.
Matt Parkinson is a fantastic leg-spinner, as shown by his 2-18 off 20 deliveries, but he isn’t often the first name that springs to mind when considering the best fielders in the game.
The entire of Old Trafford was on its feet as he leapt in the air at short fine-leg and caught a one-handed catch at full stretch.
Parkinson couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw what had occurred.
The 24-year-old from Bolton raced aimlessly around the field, spinning his arm in an attempt to avoid his teammates.
The tournament’s best catch? That may be the case.
Is there a tournament celebration? Imran Tahir, the hat-trick hero for Birmingham Phoenix, may have something to say about it.
Lockie Lockie Lockie Lockie Lockie
A cheetah, a mild storm, and a Reliant Robin vehicle all have something in common. They’re all slower than Lockie Ferguson, the Originals’ bowler.
The New Zealander bowled the fastest ball of the competition three times in his 20-ball stint.
His fastest delivery was 93.7 miles per hour, and he struck Mohammad Nabi’s middle stump with a ball that hit 93.1 miles per hour.
Don’t be shocked if Ferguson continues to shatter his own record with two games left.
