In a thrilling The Hundred match, Trent Rockets edged Manchester Originals by the narrowest margin of just one run. Batting first, the Rockets posted 145 runs in 100 balls, thanks to Tom Banton’s (45 off 22) rapid knock. In response, the Originals fell just one run short of the Rockets’ total, with Jordan Thompson’s (1/17) nervy bowling defending six runs in the match’s final set.
Match Summary
- Toss: Philip Salt (MO) won the toss and opted to bowl.
- Trent Rockets Innings: 145/7 in 100 balls
- Tom Banton: 45(22)
- Rovman Powell: 27 (17)
- Key Bowler: Tom Hartley (3/25)
- Manchester Originals Innings: 144/8 in 100 balls
- Max Holden: 40 (37)
- Paul Walter: 29 (15)
- Key Bowler: Imad Wasim (2/21)
Key Moments
Tom Banton’s Rollicking Start
The wicket-keeper batter spearheaded the innings for the Rockets and provided a rollicking start to his side. Banton pounced on the Originals’ bowlers from the outset and contributed a quick 22-ball 45 runs, including five fours and three sixes. However, he fell just five runs short of his well-deserved fifty but his brisk knock laid a solid foundation for the latter batters. 
Tom Hartley’s Spin Magic
The left-arm spinner played a crucial role for the Originals in restricting the Rockets to under 150 runs in The Hundred contest. Hartley removed Sam Hain (12 off 16), Rovman Powell (27 off 17), and (4 off 7) in quick succession and finished his spell with the impressive figures of 3/25 in 20 balls.
Sam Cook’s Double Blow
The right-arm pacer was deployed in the powerplay and he made an immediate impact with the ball. Cook trapped Originals’ skipper and dangerous batter, Phil Salt (16 off 8) straightaway on his first ball, drawing first blood for his side. He struck again in his first set and this time removed Matthew Hurst (2 off 3) on the fourth ball, providing a solid start to the Rockets.
Sikandar Raza’s Cameo Goes in Vain
The Zimbabwean player came out to bat at number eight for the Originals and provided the necessary acceleration to the innings. Raza smashed 21 runs off 12 balls, but unfortunately, his cameo went in vain as he was run out on the penultimate ball of the match, resulting in the Originals losing by the barest of margins.
Thompson’s Nerve-Wracking Bowling
The Originals needed 6 runs off the final set, and the chances for the Rockets to win looked very bleak. However, Thompson’s stupendous bowling pulled a rabbit out of the hat. The right-arm pacer conceded just four runs in the final set and extracted the wicket of a well-set batter Max Holden (40 off 37) on the final ball of the match. His impressive bowling under tremendous pressure secured victory for the Rockets in a thrilling The Hundred contest.
Implications and Future Prospects
With six runs needed off five balls, the Originals were in a strong position to win the contest but faltered in the final set. Max Holden spearheaded the innings for the Originals, batting until the final ball, but was unable to secure victory for his side. He scored 40 runs off 37 balls but could have performed at a better strike rate. Fazalhaq Farooqi is known for his new-ball brilliance but has yet to take a wicket in The Hundred 2024, and he needs to contribute with the new ball in the upcoming matches.
Conversely, apart from Tom Banton (45 off 22) and Rovman Powell (27 off 17), the Rockets’ batters failed to make a significant impact and need to contribute as The Hundred event progresses.
Upcoming Fixtures
- Trent Rockets vs Birmingham Phoenix: July 31
- Southern Brave vs Manchester Originals: August 1
Conclusion
Jordan Thompson’s final set of the match snatched victory from the Originals and the Rockets have won two matches on the trot. They are second on the points table and will aim to keep the momentum going in The Hundred event.
On the other hand, the Originals are still searching for their first win in the ongoing The Hundred, having lost two matches in a row. They need to address their weaknesses before the next game.
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