Manchester Originals clinched a nail-biting victory over Trent Rockets at Emirates Old Trafford in The Hundred, defending their total with a stellar bowling performance.
Nat Sciver-Brunt (56 not out) and Australian all-rounder Ash Gardner (36) put together a record fourth-wicket partnership of 86, putting the Rockets in a strong position. However, with three balls remaining, Kathryn Bryce dismissed Gardner, shifting the momentum back to the Originals.
In the final moments, Sciver-Brunt needed a boundary off the last ball to secure the win but managed only two runs, sealing a one-run victory for the Originals.
The Originals, who batted first, posted 137 for 6 on a slow pitch. Eve Jones (34), Beth Mooney (24), and Bryce (32) were key contributors, with captain Sophie Ecclestone adding a quick-fire 13 off five balls.
Lauren Filer's early wickets gave the Originals an advantage, but Sciver-Brunt and Gardner's partnership made the chase look manageable. Sciver-Brunt's two fours off Ecclestone in the last 15 deliveries seemed to tilt the game in the Rockets' favour, but Bryce's crucial wicket ensured the Originals' first win of the season.
Lauren Filer, named Meerkat Match Hero, praised the team effort, saying, "It was a real team performance today. Everyone did their job, and it's just so good to get over the line. The pitch was slower than last game, but we batted very well on it and set a good total. We focused on doing the simple things right and nailed our skills today."