The Hundred 2024: Manchester Originals Hold Nerve To Defeat Trent Rockets By 1 Run

In a captivating encounter at Old Trafford, Manchester Originals clinched a narrow 1-run victory over Trent Rockets in the 7th match of The Hundred 2024.

Being put to bat first after losing the toss, the Originals posted a total of 137/6 from their allotted 100 balls. The innings for the Originals began with a promising start from Beth Mooney, who scored 24 off 22 balls, including two boundaries and a six. Mooney looked set to build a substantial score but was stumped by Natasha Wraith off Kirstie Gordon’s bowling, cutting her innings short and leaving the Originals at 45/2.

Laura Wolvaardt, who opened alongside Mooney, managed a quick 12 off 9 balls, with three boundaries showcasing her aggressive intent. However, her promising start was abruptly ended by a sharp piece of fielding from Nat Sciver-Brunt, who effected a run-out to dismiss Wolvaardt and leave the Originals at 13/1 in just the third over. This early setback put pressure on the middle order.

Emma Lamb’s contribution was brief, scoring 9 off 11 balls. Lamb tried to stabilize the innings but struggled to find her rhythm and was eventually bowled by Heather Graham, further denting the Originals’ momentum. At 45/2, the Originals needed a solid partnership to rebuild their innings.

Kathryn Bryce and Eve Jones then took up the mantle, steadying the ship with a vital partnership. Bryce scored 32 off 27 balls, hitting two boundaries and a six, while Jones added a crucial 34 off 25 balls, featuring two boundaries and two sixes. Their partnership was pivotal, taking the Originals past the 100-run mark and providing a platform for a competitive total. The duo’s composed approach and timely hitting ensured the scoreboard kept ticking.

Sophie Ecclestone, the Originals’ captain, played a cameo towards the end, smashing 13 off just 5 balls. Her aggressive knock included two sixes, propelling the Originals to a respectable total. Ecclestone’s quick runs came at a crucial juncture, giving the Originals the much-needed acceleration in the death overs. However, she was bowled by Heather Graham just before the innings concluded.

The innings wrapped up with Fi Morris remaining unbeaten on 1 as the Originals finished at 137/6. The target set for the Rockets was a challenging one, considering the pitch conditions and the pressure of a chase in The Hundred format.

Heather Graham was the pick of the bowlers for the Rockets, taking 2/31 in her 20 balls. Her disciplined bowling and crucial breakthroughs at vital moments kept the Originals in check.

Ashleigh Gardner and Kirstie Gordon also contributed with a wicket each, with Gardner conceding just 17 runs in her 20 balls, displaying excellent control and economy. Gordon’s spell was notable for its precision, as she gave away 33 runs in her 20 balls but managed to break the opening partnership and add to the pressure on the Originals’ batting line-up.

Chasing a target of 138, the Rockets’ innings got off to a shaky start under the lights at Old Trafford. Bryony Smith was the first to fall, caught by Eleanor Threlkeld off Lauren Filer for 8 off 8 balls. Smith managed to hit two boundaries in her brief stay, but her early dismissal set the tone for a challenging chase for the Rockets. The Originals’ bowlers applied pressure right from the start, ensuring the Rockets couldn’t build any early momentum.

Grace Scrivens, opening alongside Smith, struggled to find her footing against the Originals’ disciplined bowling attack. Scrivens scored 9 off 12 balls, with a single boundary, before being stumped by Threlkeld off the bowling of Sophie Ecclestone. This dismissal was a result of Ecclestone’s clever flight and turn, drawing Scrivens out of her crease and giving Threlkeld an easy stumping opportunity. At this point, the Rockets were 37/2, having lost both openers within the first 25 balls of their innings.

Natasha Wraith provided some much-needed impetus with a brisk 17 off 11 balls, hitting four boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Her aggressive approach seemed to be working until she was caught by Alice Monaghan off Filer. Wraith’s dismissal left the Rockets at 37/3, placing them in a precarious position and highlighting the Originals’ control over the game.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt then took charge of the Rockets’ innings. Her superb unbeaten 56 off 46 balls was a masterclass in calm and calculated batting under pressure. Sciver-Brunt’s innings included eight beautifully timed boundaries, demonstrating her class and experience. She anchored the innings, playing sensibly and ensuring she capitalized on any loose deliveries. Her partnership with Ashleigh Gardner was particularly crucial in bringing the Rockets back into contention.

Ashleigh Gardner, coming in at a crucial juncture, played a rapid 36 off 23 balls. Her innings was laced with four boundaries and a six, showcasing her power-hitting ability. Gardner’s aggressive approach complemented Sciver-Brunt’s more measured play, and together they added significant runs to the total. Their partnership of 86 runs from 55 balls brought the Rockets within touching distance of the target.

However, Gardner’s dismissal just before the end of the innings was a significant blow to the Rockets. She was caught by Beth Mooney off Kathryn Bryce’s bowling, falling with the score at 133/4 in 98 balls. This left the Rockets needing 5 runs off the last 2 balls. Heather Graham joined Sciver-Brunt but managed only 1 run off the single ball she faced.

Despite Sciver-Brunt’s valiant effort and her unbeaten half-century, the Rockets fell agonizingly short, finishing their innings at 136/4. The Originals’ bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, particularly Lauren Filer, the standout bowler for the Originals, taking 2/26 in her 20 balls.

Filer’s ability to strike at crucial moments and economical bowling earned her the Player of the Match award. Ecclestone and Bryce also contributed with a wicket each, maintaining pressure on the Rockets throughout their chase.

Ecclestone’s spell of 1/19 in 20 balls was particularly effective, combining her trademark accuracy with subtle variations to keep the Rockets’ batters in check. Bryce, with her crucial wicket of Gardner, ensured that the Rockets’ chase was halted just short of the target.

In the end, the Originals’ combination of disciplined bowling, effective field placements, and calmness under pressure secured them a thrilling 1-run victory in a nail-biting finish at Old Trafford.

Brief Score: Manchester Originals vs Trent Rockets, Match 7 of The Hundred 2024

Manchester Originals- 137/6 (Eve Jones 34, Kathyrn Bryce 32; Heather  Graham 2-31) defeated Trent Rockets- 136/4 (Nat Sciver-Brunt 56*, Ashleigh Gardner 36; Lauren Filer 2-26) by one run.

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