MNR VS SOB MATCH 31

Right then, that’s it from this game but the action continues in the Hundred, 2023 as we get to the business end of the season. The final league game will be a dead rubber between Birmingham Phoenix and the London Spirit at Edgbaston in Birmingham tomorrow, the 24th of August. The Women’s game will begin at 7.30 pm IST (2.00 pm GMT) while the Men’s game will start at 11 pm IST (5.30 pm GMT). But as know, you can always join us early for the build-up. Until then, goodbye and cheers!

Devon Conway is the Player of the Match for his impactful contribution of 54 runs from just 40 deliveries. He says that he is satisfied with the victory achieved in a crucial must-win encounter,  and highlights the significance of securing the win for the team. Adds that the  rain played it's part by altering the playing conditions and making it more favorable for batting as the ball began to come onto the bat. Shares that he underscored his ability to adapt to the changing conditions and asserted his commitment to steering the team toward victory. Closes by saying that his performance stood as a testament to his adaptability and resilience, contributing significantly to the Southern Brave's triumph.

Earlier in the game, Manchester Originals after putting into bat first, were restricted to 130 for 8. Jos Buttler was the top scorer with a scratchy 45 off 42 while Wayne Madsen and Philip Salt chipped in with a few quick runs. The wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals and Originals could not get the desired finish. Tymal Mills was the pick of the Brave bowlers with 3 for 27 in his set. Rehan Ahmed got 2 scalps while Chris Jordan and Colin Ackermann took one apiece. The win takes Southern Brave to number 3 in the table and seals their spot to the playoffs.

Manchester Originals had a low score to defend but they fought hard and made it difficult for the Southern Brave batters. Zaman Khan was their best bowler with 2 for 20 while Josh Tongue and Ashton Turner chipped in with one each. Manchester Originals are sitting pretty and number two in the table and have also made it to the playoffs but they will want to regroup and come back stronger in the knockout game.

A pretty close win for the Southern Brave at the end, who get home by 6 wickets and with 5 balls to spare. Chasing a paltry 131 for the win, Finn Allen got his side to a powerful start as he made 14 off 4 balls before getting dismissed. Conway and Vince batted with ease and added 67 for the second wicket. James Vince walked back for 33 off 25 but Conway carried on and anchored the chase with a fine fifty. He remained unbeaten on 54 off 40. Leus du Plooy and Joe Weatherley were dismissed in quick succession but Colin Ackermann kept a cool head and played the perfect foil to Devon Conway. Southern Brave have jumped into the third spot and qualifed for the playoffs with this win.

Four! Here are the winning runs! Ashton Turner pitches it up, on off. Colin Ackermann gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a cracking boundary.

SCORES LEVEL! Fuller, on leg stump. Conway reverse-sweeps it to backward point. They cross for a quick single.

Tossed up, on off. Conway chips it over mid off. They take two runs. Southern Brave closing in on the win here.

FOUR! Smacked. Devon Conway gets to his FIFTY in style. Ashton Turner goes very full, on off. Conway backs away a bit and smashes it down to long on for four runs. Southern Brave now one hit away.

Fuller, on off. Colin Ackermann goes for the reverse sweep, but it pops up the outside edge. Lands safely though and they cross for one.

Outside off. Colin Ackermann works it to deep third for one.

FOUR! Fortunate boundary. It is a slower ball, dipping as well, on leg stump. Colin Ackermann swipes across the line. The ball catches the underedge, hits him on the boot and runs down to the fine leg fence. Zaman Khan thinks he has got his man here, because he never thought the bat was involved. They take a review for lbw but the decision does not go in their favour.

WIDE! Wayward from Khan. It is very full, going past the tramline wide of off. Wide called. First run for Southern Brave in this set of 5.

Zaman Khan nails his yorker this time, in the channel. Colin Ackermann throws the kitchen sink at it but is unable to put it away.

Pace-on, wide outside off. Colin Ackermann tries to make the most of the width on offer, but fails to read the ball once again. Zaman Khan is coming out of the syllabus here for Colin Ackermann.

A dot ball! Slower ball, on a length, outside off. Colin Ackermann tries to hit it through the line but misses.