Manchester Originals produced some superb death-bowling to beat Trent Rockets by one-run in a final-ball thriller at Old Trafford in The Hundred women’s competition.
Trent Rockets, who would have gone top of the group standings with a victory, needed four off the final ball to win but England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt could only pull Kathryn Bryce for two.
The Originals had been thrashed by Welsh Fire in their opener but produced a fine display to record their first win of the season – and hand the Rockets their first defeat.
After being put into bat the Originals made a measured start before Bryce (32), Eve Jones (34) and some late power hitting from skipper Sophie Ecclestone (13) helped them post a competitive 137-6.
The Rockets had looked in control for much of their chase with Sciver-Brunt (56 not out) and Australia’s Ash Gardner (36) anchoring the innings.
But, needing 22 off the final 10 balls, Originals bowlers Lauren Filer and Bryce slowed the scoring to help their side to a thrilling victory.