Manchester Originals endured their fifth defeat of The Hundred 2025 season after another poor batting display against Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford. The Originals managed only 109 for 7 in their 100 balls, and the Phoenix comfortably chased the target to secure a seven-wicket win with 17 balls to spare.
Manchester Originals’ batting struggles continue
The hosts chose to bat first but were immediately under pressure. Phil Salt showed promise with 31 at the top, yet wickets fell in clusters. Ben McKinney departed early for two, Jos Buttler managed only a run-a-ball five, and Rachin Ravindra could not capitalise despite hitting a four and a six.
At 58 for 4, Heinrich Klaasen attempted to steady the innings. He made a patient 34 from 35 balls, sharing a brief stand with Matthew Hurst. However, Klaasen’s dismissal after pushing the total past 100 left the side stranded on a modest score.
Liam Livingstone and Chris Wood starred with the ball for Phoenix, combining to bowl 35 balls for just 22 runs and four wickets.
Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke seal Phoenix win
Chasing 110, Birmingham Phoenix lost Will Smeed early, but Joe Clarke and Ben Duckett took charge. The pair added 72 runs, with Clarke hammering 40 off 21 balls and Duckett anchoring the chase.
Duckett shifted gears after the halfway mark, striking two fours and a six off Ish Sodhi to break the game open. Though Clarke fell to Josh Tongue, Phoenix needed only 19 runs from 37 balls.
Duckett finished unbeaten on 49 from 38 balls, sealing victory with a boundary off Scott Currie. Phoenix reached 113 for 3 in 83 balls to hand the Originals another painful loss.
Brief Scores
- Manchester Originals: 109/7 in 100 balls (Heinrich Klaasen 34, Phil Salt 31; Liam Livingstone 2-11, Chris Wood 2-11)
- Birmingham Phoenix: 113/3 in 83 balls (Ben Duckett 49*, Joe Clarke 40; Josh Tongue 2-34)
Result: Birmingham Phoenix won by 7 wickets.
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