MNR VS SOB ELIMINATOR

Right then, on a day that was filled with rain and the Women's Eliminator game had to be abandoned, we got to witness another downpour. Thankfully though, it was a downpour of runs as both teams really went at it and we got to witness an insane encounter. Manchester Originals make it through to the finals second-time running and will now take on Oval Invincibles for the coveted title at Lord's. That game will be played on Sunday, 27 August and will begin at 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT). Our build-up though will begin much sooner. So, do join us then. Cheers!

Manchester Originals skipper, Jos Buttler is the Hero of the Match for his quickfire and crucial knock of 82 runs off just 46 balls. He says it feels fantastic and the wicket was good too. He says that Philip Salt was amazing at the start. He adds that he was a bit disappointed at the mid-way as they had a big total to chase but the team did excellent to chase it. Mentions that it feels fantastic to be in the finals and ends by saying that they will give their best and try to win it.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, Jos Buttler won the toss and had no hesitation in sending the opposition into the bat first. After a watchful start, Finn Allen came into his own and played a gem of a knock as his partner Devon Conway provided ample support at the other end. The duo put on 122 runs before Allen got out but the momentum didn't shift for too long as Southern Brave skipper James Vince showed his class and thumped the bowlers. In the end, just the 3 batters took part for the Brave, all getting half-centuries and they got to 196 runs. Manchester Originals had a lineup full of pacers and the ball just came onto the bat so nicely that they looked completely out of sorts. Coming to the chase, the Originals needed a fast start and got just that but they were also able to build on it and have now stormed into the final.

Southern Brave will be gutted with that loss and surely after their exploits with the bat, they must have thought they had enough runs on the board but the pitch played beautifully throughout the contest. Not much to talk about the bowling from either side but Mitchell Santner did bowl a tight spell and picked up a wicket as well. Rehan Ahmed and Tymal Mills bowled decently as well but couldn't contain the batting in the latter sets. Also, the experienced duo of Chris Jordan and Craig Overton were unable to use that experience and were the most expensive of the bunch.

Manchester Originals started the chase with a real flourish but initially, Philip Salt did get a bit of luck with a few outside edges as well. Once set, both Salt and the skipper Jos Buttler started hammering the bowlers to all parts of the ground and the former was certainly in some mood out there but he got out soon after. Max Holden came in and kept up the ante with Buttler surpassing a quick 50. Holden too fell after a blistering cameo but Buttler got his side close to the win before eventually getting out. In the end, it was Laurie Evans who hit a few lusty blows and Jamie Overton who hit the winning runs that got the job done for the Originals.

MANCHESTER ORIGINALS ARE IN THE FINAL! What a sensational display of hitting we have seen from both teams but in the end, it is last year's runners-up Manchester Originals who have toppled the 2021 champions Southern Brave to make it through to back-to-back finals. To chase down 196 runs in a knockout game in such a fashion is certainly something that will be remembered for a long, long time. Heartbreak for Southern Brave though who batted brilliantly but just couldn't hold their nerve with the ball.

SIX! Jamie Overton finishes things in style! Fuller one, outside off, Jamie Overton stays in his crease and muscles it over deep extra covers for a maximum. Manchester Originals beat Southern Brave by 7 wickets!

Follows the batter down leg, Laurie Evans steers it to deep point for one. Just 2 needed off the final set now... Chris Jordan comes to bowl the final over. Can he pull a miracle for the Southern Brave now?

A slower one, outside off, Laurie Evans slaps it towards long on. The fielder fumbles a bit as the batters collect two. Excellent running between the wickets! 3 needed now!

Lands it on off, Laurie Evans guides it to the fielder at short third. Dot.

SIX! Oh my word! Touch short and outside off, Laurie Evans rocks back and muscles it over deep extra covers for a maximum!

The umpires look at the ball and confirm that it has lost shape and call for a new one.

Lands it outside off, Jamie Overton looks to scoop it but gets cramped on his body. They collect a leg bye.

FOUR! Fine shot! Too full, outside off, Laurie Evans picks it well and carves it through covers for a boundary. 12 needed from the last 2 sets now!

A full toss, on off, Jamie Overton pushes it to mid off for one.