Trent Rockets are now in the driver’s seat to claim second place in The Hundred 2025. If that happens, they’ll qualify for the Finals in case the Eliminator game is washed out. Meanwhile, Manchester Originals ended their campaign on a high as Jos Buttler delivered a batting masterclass against Northern Superchargers at Headingley.
The Originals chased down 140 comfortably, winning by seven wickets with 16 balls to spare. Buttler smashed a stunning 70 off 37 balls, while Rachin Ravindra played the perfect supporting role with 47* from just 23 deliveries in The Hundred 2025 clash.
James Anderson Returns, Superchargers Struggle
The match had extra buzz as James Anderson, England’s legendary fast bowler, returned to the Manchester Originals squad. At 42, Anderson’s appearance in The Hundred 2025 was a rare treat for the fans. With the Superchargers aiming for a big win to boost their chances of finishing second, the stage was set for a fiery contest.
Anderson rolled back the years straight away. Opening the bowling, he dismissed two batters inside his first set of deliveries, smiling broadly as the crowd erupted. He almost had Harry Brook too, but the Superchargers captain survived after a dropped catch. A few balls later, Brook attempted a risky scoop shot, failed miserably, and ended up sitting on the ground, much to Anderson’s amusement.
Brook’s stay was short-lived as Scott Currie removed him for 20 off 20. Zak Crawley also couldn’t make much of an impact, scoring 17 before holing out. At 73 for 5 after 67 balls, the Superchargers were in deep trouble, and the Originals were firmly in control of this The Hundred 2025 fixture.
Just when it looked like the Superchargers might fold cheaply, up stepped the veteran all-rounder Samit Patel. At 40, Patel is one of the oldest players still competing at this level, but his experience and power were on full display in The Hundred 2025. He blasted 42 runs off just 19 balls, smashing four boundaries and three massive sixes.
Patel, along with David Miller, dragged the Superchargers back into the game. Miller chipped in with a steady 30 off 22, helping build some momentum. Thanks to their efforts, the Superchargers reached 139 for 8 from their 100 balls, a total that at least gave them something to defend.
Young seamer Tom Aspinwall stood out for the Originals with brilliant bowling figures of 3 for 17. He kept things tight and ensured the Superchargers never got completely away despite Patel’s fireworks late in the innings of The Hundred 2025.
ALSO READ:
Buttler and Ravindra Dominate the Chase
Chasing 140, the Originals got off to a slow and shaky start in The Hundred 2025. Phil Salt struggled to find rhythm and managed just 9 from 13 balls, while young opener Ben McKinney fell for 6 from 8. With both openers gone early, the Superchargers sensed a chance to fight back.
But Jos Buttler and Rachin Ravindra had other ideas. The duo combined for a thrilling 99-run stand off just 48 balls. Buttler was in supreme touch, hitting seven fours and five sixes in his dazzling innings of 70 from 37 deliveries. He played shots all around the ground, showing why he’s still one of the most feared white-ball batters in The Hundred 2025.
Ravindra, fresh from making a mark in international cricket, was equally impressive. His unbeaten 47 came from just 23 balls, including several crisp boundaries and clever placements. Together, they completely took the game away from the Superchargers in this The Hundred 2025 contest.
Adil Rashid eventually bowled Buttler, but by then the job was nearly done. Only 10 runs were needed off 21 balls, and Ravindra finished the match in style with consecutive boundaries. The Originals reached 140 for 3 in just 84 balls, winning by seven wickets in The Hundred 2025.
For Rashid, it was a night to forget. He went for 39 runs in his 20 balls, the most he has ever conceded in The Hundred 2025.
Buttler Reflects and Rockets Eye Second Spot
After being named Meerkat Match Hero, Buttler spoke honestly about the team’s performance this season of The Hundred 2025.
“The pitch was a bit tricky, a little on the slower side, but I thought we bowled really well apart from a few deliveries,” he said. “That gave us the platform to chase it down. It’s frustrating because we showed our best cricket tonight when we were already out of the tournament.”
Buttler admitted that the Originals let too many opportunities slip away during The Hundred 2025. “Over the tournament, we left quite a lot out there. In a couple of close games, we just failed to get over the line. That’s why we are where we are in the table. Tonight showed what we are capable of as a team.”
The result left Northern Superchargers in third place, unable to leapfrog Trent Rockets unless the Rockets suffer a huge defeat against Birmingham Phoenix in their final group match at Trent Bridge. With their superior net run rate, the Rockets are now in pole position to finish second and grab a potential Finals berth if the Eliminator is washed out in The Hundred 2025.
For the Originals, it was a case of ending on a positive note. Their tournament may be over, but the Headingley crowd witnessed a vintage Buttler knock, a memorable return for Anderson, and a glimpse of what this side could achieve if they had clicked earlier in The Hundred 2025.
READ MORE:
