Manchester Originals secured their first win of The Hundred Men’s 2024 season, thanks to a stellar performance by Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. In a tightly contested 23rd match at Lord’s, Farooqi’s devastating inswingers played a crucial role in dismantling London Spirit’s top order, leading Manchester Originals to a 12-run victory.
Match Overview:
The Originals, led by captain Phil Salt, posted a modest total of 135/5 in their allotted 100 balls. Salt himself was the standout performer with the bat, scoring a vital half-century that provided a foundation for the team’s total. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Manchester Originals managed to set a competitive target, thanks in part to useful contributions from the middle order.
In response, London Spirit’s chase got off to a disastrous start, courtesy of Fazalhaq Farooqi. The 23-year-old left-arm pacer struck early in his first set, dismissing Michael Pepper with a well-directed delivery that left the batter with no chance. The real highlight, however, came on the very next ball when Farooqi sent Ollie Pope packing for a golden duck. The inswinger that cleaned up Pope was nothing short of spectacular, pitching on a full length and swinging sharply to breach the gap between bat and pad, crashing into the stumps.
With the score at 11/2, London Spirit found themselves in deep trouble. Farooqi’s early breakthroughs handed the momentum firmly to Manchester Originals. The situation worsened for the hosts when their skipper Dan Lawrence was dismissed with the team struggling at 12/3.
London Spirit’s Fightback:
Despite the early setbacks, London Spirit showed resilience through a partnership between Shimron Hetmyer and Keaton Jennings. The duo steadied the innings, adding crucial runs and keeping the chase alive. Hetmyer, known for his aggressive style, played some fluent strokes, while Jennings provided support from the other end.
However, the Originals’ bowlers kept the pressure on, with Farooqi returning to dismiss the dangerous Andre Russell in the dying stages of the innings. Russell’s wicket effectively ended London Spirit’s hopes, as they eventually fell short of the target, finishing at 123/5.
Fazalhaq Farooqi’s Impact:
Farooqi ended his spell with remarkable figures of 3-24 from his 20 deliveries, underlining his value as a key bowler for the Originals. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a constant threat throughout the match. This performance adds to his growing reputation, especially after his successful campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he emerged as the leading wicket-taker.
Farooqi’s consistent performances in various T20 leagues, including a fruitful stint with Nottinghamshire in the Vitality T20 Blast, have made him one of the most sought-after pacers in the shorter formats of the game.
Manchester Originals’ Struggles:
Despite the win, it has been a tough season for Manchester Originals, who have already been knocked out of the competition after a string of five consecutive losses. Their victory against London Spirit marked a rare high point in an otherwise disappointing campaign. With only two matches left, the team will be looking to salvage some pride and end their season on a positive note.
Looking Ahead:
As The Hundred 2024 moves into its final stages, the competition is heating up with teams vying for a spot in the knockouts. While Manchester Originals are out of contention, London Spirit’s loss in this match has also dashed their hopes of advancing further. The focus now shifts to the remaining matches, where other teams will battle it out for a place in the playoffs.
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