Clarke’s Explosive Innings Secures Victory and Player of the Match

MANCHESTER: Birmingham Phoenix clinched a decisive seven-wicket triumph over Manchester Originals in The Hundred competition held in Manchester on Sunday, fueled by impressive batting displays from Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke.

After winning the toss, Manchester captain Phil Salt chose to bat first, a decision that proved unfavorable as his team posted a total of just 109/7 in their 100-ball innings.

Heinrich Klaasen led the scoring with 34 runs from 35 deliveries, which included one six and two boundaries. Salt, the opening batter, contributed a spirited 31 off 20 balls, highlighted by three sixes and two fours.

Rachin Ravindra added 13 runs, and Tom Hartley scored 11. However, the remaining batters struggled, with six failing to reach double digits.

For Birmingham Phoenix, Chris Woakes and Liam Livingstone delivered outstanding bowling performances. Woakes took 2 wickets for 11 runs in his 15 balls, while Livingstone also claimed 2 wickets for 11 runs across his 20 balls.

Jacob Bethell, Benny Howell, and Liam Patterson-White each contributed with a single wicket.

In their chase, Birmingham Phoenix comfortably reached the 110-run target, achieving the victory in just 83 balls while losing three wickets.

Opening batter Ben Duckett played a superb unbeaten innings of 49 runs from 38 balls, hitting two sixes and five fours.

Joe Clarke also played a crucial role in the middle order, smashing 40 runs off only 21 balls, including two sixes and four fours.

Clarke’s explosive innings ensured an easy victory for Phoenix, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Will Smeed, the other opener, scored 13 runs with two boundaries, while Livingstone and Bethell each managed only four runs.

For Manchester, both Josh Tongue and Sonny Baker secured one wicket each, but their efforts were ultimately insufficient.