Manchester Originals captain Jos Buttler scored 82 runs in 46 balls to take his team to the final of The Men’s Hundred. Thanks to Buttler’s heroics, Manchester Originals registered the most successful run chase in the Men’s Hundred, beating the total of 196 set by Southern Braves in the Eliminator at The Oval on Saturday. Opening the innings, Buttler produced a sensational display with the willow and hit six fours and four sixes in his innings.
The dashing batsman put on a blistering 83 for the first wicket with Phil Salt (47 off 17 balls), who hit five fours and four sixes. Max Holden made 31 runs in 17 balls and Laurie Evans made 22 runs in 11 balls also played useful innings before Jamie Overton sealed the win in style, launching Chris Jordan over long-off for a maximum. Manchester Originals will now take on The Oval Invincibles in the final of The Men’s Hundred at Lord’s in London on Sunday.
After the league stage, Oval Invincibles topped the points table by winning six of their eight matches.
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Butller’s Heroics Overpower Southern Braves’ Batting Prowess
Before Jos Buttler‘s brilliant innings, Southern Braves also put in a brilliant effort with Willow after being sent into bat. He scored 196/1 in 100 balls. Openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway shared an opening partnership of 122 runs in 65 balls. Allen scored 69 runs in 38 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes. At the same time, Conway scored an unbeaten 51 off 38 balls with the help of four fours and a six. Southern Braves captain James Vince led from the front, scoring 56* off just 25 balls.
"Don't think too many beers tonight…" 😅
Jos Buttler loved that chase 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2OxbuULiHk
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 26, 2023
His innings included three fours and four sixes. However, it was not enough as Buttler attacked the Southern Braves bowlers and sealed the last place for Manchester Originals.
“Halfway through, It Was Looking Tough” – Butler
Speaking after the resounding win, Manchester Originals captain and player of the match Buttler admitted that things were looking tough at the halfway stage. However, he credited Salt for getting off to a great start chasing the target.
The keeper-batter commented:
“Obviously at the half-way mark, it seemed tough. Salt was amazing. I wasn’t very sure, was disappointed at the half-way mark. Thought could have done some things differently. But then we got the momentum while chasing and was tough to stop us. Can’t wait to play in the final, Hopefully, rest up and look forward to an amazing day at Lord’s.”
