Thatās all from Old Trafford! The Menās Hundred 2025 now has its three confirmed teams for the knockouts ā Oval Invincibles, Trent Rockets and Northern Superchargers. Each has one league game left to battle for the coveted top spot, which guarantees a direct ticket to the Final.
For Manchester Originals though, it was a night to forget as they were comprehensively beaten by Birmingham Phoenix by 7 wickets. For now, this is Pritam Dey signing off along with scorer/analyst Paras Yadav as we brought all the actions of this clash. Stay tuned for more cricketing action from around the world. BYE BYEš
Joe Clarke (Hero of the Match): "Well, I felt in good rhythm and also with good confidence. So, it was nice to contribute my team to a win.
The surface was used a few times. It was on the slower side. The spinners were effective in this surface. It was good out there for me and Ben as we could knock it around, run hard and also it was nice to get a win.
I think we wanted to stick to our strengths. Ben (Duckett) played spin really well. He was playing those sweep shots really well while I was taking my time in the middle. Obviously, we both have played together for a long time. So, we know each other well."
Hero of the Match: Joe Clarke
12:54 AM IST & 8:25 PM Local Time: Thatās it from Old Trafford! A one-sided affair as Birmingham Phoenix cruise past Manchester Originals by 7 wickets with 17 balls to spare. A dominant win for the visitors, even if it came in a dead rubber clash.
Phil Saltās decision to bat first looked promising at the start, as he gave the Originals a brisk opening. However, Birmingham Phoenix quickly regained control. Liam Patterson-White bowled 10 consecutive deliveries to finish the powerplay strongly, dismissing Ben McKinney in the process. Jos Buttlerās lean patch continued as he was trapped in front by Liam Livingstone, pushing the hosts onto the back foot. Saltās wicket for 31 off 20 proved the key moment, with Jacob Bethell striking to break the momentum. Rachin Ravindra threatened briefly but fell for 13, chipping one straight to cover.
From there, Heinrich Klaasen tried to hold things together but never looked fluent, crawling to 34 off 35 before falling late in the innings. The lower order failed to contribute as the Originals struggled to build partnerships. Phoenix executed their plans smartly, with Livingstone immediately turning to his spinners after spotting assistance from the pitch. The Originals stumbled to 109/7, with Liam Livingstone (2/11) and Chris Wood (2/11) starring in a clinical bowling performance.
Chasing 110, Birmingham Phoenix began cautiously as Will Smeed fell to Sonny Baker for 13 inside the powerplay. Ben Duckett, in need of runs, found form at the right time and combined with Joe Clarke to steady the innings. The pair added a vital 72 off 45 balls, a stand that completely took the game away from the Originals.
Phil Saltās captaincy came under question as he delayed introducing spin into the attack. Josh Tongue gave the Originals some hope, dismissing Joe Clarke for 40 off 21 and then removing Liam Livingstone, who was dropped once before falling for just 4. But it was too lateāJacob Bethell stayed unbeaten on 4 while Ben Duckett anchored the chase brilliantly, sealing the win with a boundary and finishing unbeaten on 49 off 38. Birmingham Phoenix wrapped up the game by 7 wickets.
17th Five
Birmingham Phoenix
113/3
Ben Duckett
49(38)
Jacob Bethell
4(6)
Scott Currie
0-19(13 b)
83b S Currie to B Duckett
4 FOURRR!! Ben Duckett finishes things off in style. Overpitched delivery around fourth stump. Duckett presses forward and hammers it through the covers for a boundary. Duckett remains unbeaten on 49! Birmingham Phoenix register their 3rd win of the season, sealing it with a commanding 7-wicket victory.