Jos Buttler in Hundred. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson – ECB/ECB via Getty Images)
This year’s Hundred competition has seen some electrifying cricket. In the Eliminator on Saturday, August 26, Jos Buttler’s Manchester Originals enthralled the crowd by pulling off the highest successful run-chase in the history of men’s Hundred.
England’s white-ball skipper won the toss and opted to field first against Southern Brave at Kennington Oval in London. Brave became the first team to have three different half-centurions in an innings in the men’s Hundred as Finn Allen (69 off 38), Devon Conway (51 off 38), and captain James Vince (56* off 25) were on song. They helped their team get to 196/1 after 100 balls as Buttler and Co. had a humongous task on hand.
The onus was on the destructive opening duo of Buttler and Phil Salt to get their team off to a great start. They took the attack to the Southern Brave bowlers and raced to 83 in just 31 balls. Salt was the first batter to be dismissed but he had done a commendable job as he scored 47 off just 17 balls. Buttler, who played second fiddle to his compatriot, cut loose with Max Holden for company. They added 63 runs in 33 balls before Holden departed for 31 off 17.
Buttler was relentless as he was unstoppable in his display of brute power. Chris Jordan eventually dismissed the 32-year-old for an enterprising 46-ball 82 which comprised six fours and four sixes. Laurie Evans (22 off 13) and Jamie Overton (7 off 3) finished the chase for the Originals with seven wickets and four balls to spare. Buttler was awarded Player of the Match for his exceptional knock.
Manchester Originals face Oval Invincibles on Sunday
Eight teams tried but only two have been able to reach the summit clash. After topping the points table, Oval Invincibles made it directly to the finals. Sam Billings’ men have a 2-1 lead in the head-to-head scoreline against the Originals.
The final will be played on Sunday, August 27 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.