The cricketing world was treated to a thrilling finale at Emirates Old Trafford as the Trent Rockets snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Manchester Originals. The match ended with a nail-biting finish, as Jordan Thompson’s heroics with the ball secured a one-run win for the Rockets.
It was a day of heart-stopping last-ball finishes, with the Originals women winning their game earlier by just one run. The men’s match followed suit, with the bowlers coming out on top in the closing stages when it seemed like the batting side had the game in the bag.
Sikandar Raza’s valiant effort, scoring 21 runs from 12 balls, took the Originals within touching distance of victory. However, a crucial run-out and Max Holden’s dismissal in the final over turned the tide in favor of the Rockets. Thompson’s nerveless bowling under pressure sealed the win for his team, leaving the Originals stunned.
The Rockets had set the tone early in the match, with Tom Banton providing a flying start at the top of the order. Contributions from Rovman Powell and Rashid Khan further boosted their score, setting a challenging target for the Originals to chase down.
Despite a spirited effort from the Originals, with Paul Walter’s boundary-hitting spree keeping their hopes alive, the spin duo of Rashid and Imad Wasim turned the game in favor of the Rockets. Three quick wickets rattled the Originals, but Raza’s brave innings almost saw them over the line until Thompson intervened with his match-winning spell.
Reflecting on his Man of the Match performance, Banton expressed his emotions, saying, “The emotions are very up and down! Obviously they played extremely well to get to a very close ending and that’s what The Hundred is about, attracting the crowd. It was a good game.”
Banton credited his aggressive approach at the top of the innings for putting pressure on the opposition bowlers. “My job at the top is to try and put their bowlers under pressure. I want to respect their good balls when they’re there, but when they’re in my scoring zone try and take it to them. And luckily it was my day,” he said.
With two wins from two matches, the Rockets are off to a flying start in the competition. Banton emphasized the team’s goal of qualifying for the later stages, saying, “That’s what we want to do. At the start of the competition we talked about qualifying and obviously two wins from two is a good start.”
In the end, it was a game filled with twists and turns, showcasing the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of Cricket in The Hundred. The Rockets emerged victorious, but both teams displayed great skill and determination in a match that will be remembered for its gripping climax.
