In a thrilling display of aggressive batting, Manchester Originals achieved the highest successful run-chase in the men’s Hundred tournament at the Kia Oval. They overcame a seemingly imposing target set by Southern Brave, ultimately winning by seven wickets with four balls to spare. Jos Buttler showcased his exceptional skills, scoring a remarkable 82 off 46 balls. Although he wasn’t at the crease when victory was sealed, Jamie Overton’s powerful shot over long-off brought the game to a fitting conclusion.

Despite losing the toss and being put in to bat after a delay due to rain, Southern Brave put up a strong performance, becoming the first team to have three players score individual half-centuries in a 100-ball innings. Finn Allen set the tone with an explosive 69 off 38, followed by James Vince’s rapid fifty off 24 balls. Devon Conway provided stability, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 38.

However, as Manchester Originals launched their chase, it raised questions about whether Southern Brave had utilized their batting resources effectively. Phil Salt wasted no time, dispatching the first three balls to the boundary, including two fortuitous edges through slip and gully. He smashed five fours and two sixes in the powerplay, propelling Originals to 61 without loss.

With the fielding restrictions lifted, the scoring rate only accelerated. Buttler, with just one slight mishit early on, dominated the bowling attack. He launched a six down the ground off Craig Overton and Salt added two more emphatic hits, accumulating 21 runs from the over. Salt’s fiery innings came to an end at 47 off 17, but Buttler kept the pressure on by sending Mitchell Santner’s delivery into the crowd. Newcomer Max Holden joined the assault, hitting George Garton for sixes.

By the halfway mark, Originals were 115 for 1, having equaled their own record from the previous year. The onslaught continued as Chris Jordan conceded 17 runs in the next over, with Buttler reaching his half-century off just 26 balls. Tymal Mills managed to break Holden’s cameo, but Buttler persisted, striking two more sixes off Rehan Ahmed’s bowling in a remarkable display.

With 26 needed from 20 balls, Buttler’s exit came as he top-edged a delivery, but Laurie Evans’ powerful hit off Mills kept Originals on course. Buttler, a vocal supporter of the tournament, also solidified his position at the top of the run-scoring charts. This season marked his full involvement, and he will now lead Originals at Lord’s in the final against Oval Invincibles, aiming to surpass last year’s performance in his absence.