Manchester Originals finally got their season up and running with a tense 10-run victory over London Spirit in The Hundred, combining a strong batting performance with disciplined bowling to defend 163. It was a night that showcased both experience and youthful firepower, with Jos Buttler’s calm innings, Sonny Baker’s fiery pace, and Josh Tongue’s crucial wickets sealing the deal.
Originals’ Aggressive Start Sets the Tone
The Originals wasted no time in asserting themselves with the bat. Ben McKinney lit up the early overs, smashing three towering sixes and two boundaries in a blistering 12-ball 29. His fearless stroke play put London Spirit on the back foot immediately, with Phil Salt adopting a more measured role in their 85-run blitz from the first 44 balls.
Salt’s dismissal for 31 brought in Buttler, who was in no rush to go aerial but kept the scoreboard ticking. Partnering with Heinrich Klaasen (24 off 17), Buttler’s 46 off 37 balls ensured the Originals didn’t lose momentum completely despite a slight slowdown in the middle overs.
Although the Originals couldn’t quite push towards the 200 mark that seemed possible early on, their total of 163 for 6 equalled the highest score in the men’s competition this season—matching the Spirit’s tally against Welsh Fire just days earlier.
Baker’s Speed and Accuracy Trouble Warner
The Spirit’s chase began under immediate pressure thanks to Sonny Baker’s scorching opening spell. Delivering at an average speed of 87mph, Baker repeatedly beat David Warner’s outside edge and conceded just four runs in his opening ten balls.
Warner, however, is rarely kept quiet for long. Partnering with captain Kane Williamson, the Australian began to find his rhythm, eventually overtaking other players to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer this season.
Still, the Originals’ attack—led by Baker and backed by tight fielding—ensured that boundaries never came freely. Williamson and Warner took the score to 75, but with the run rate climbing, the Spirit were always in danger of falling behind.
Middle Overs – Spirit Fight but Originals Stay Ahead
Spirit’s middle order attempted to keep pace with the asking rate. Jamie Smith and Ashton Turner both launched powerful sixes, but the Originals’ bowlers maintained their composure. The equation boiled down to 80 runs required from the last 40 balls—a task that demanded almost two runs per ball.
Warner’s half-century kept hope alive for the visitors. He accelerated in the later stages, striking cleanly through the off side and over the ropes. But just as the game seemed to tilt towards the Spirit, Josh Tongue delivered a decisive breakthrough—dismissing Warner down the leg side for a superb 71.
Late Drama but Originals Hold On
Even after Warner’s departure, the Spirit refused to roll over. Jamie Overton smashed 19 off just 7 balls at the death, forcing the Originals to stay sharp until the final delivery. However, Tongue’s death bowling, backed by controlled fielding, ensured there would be no miraculous turnaround.
Tongue’s 3 for 29 complemented Baker’s aggression, and the Spirit finished 153 for 6, ten runs short of the target.
Player Reactions
Post-match, Sonny Baker—named Meerkat Match Hero—expressed his delight at both the personal performance and the team’s first win of the season:
“Massive win against a good side. I was just trying to bowl fast and swing the new ball, especially against left-handers like Warner. You’ve got such a small margin for error against him, but I enjoyed the challenge. It was surreal to open the bowling with Sir Jimmy Anderson in the first game—it’s moments like that which make cricket special.”
Baker’s enthusiasm for pace bowling and his determination to push towards elite speeds underline his potential to be one of the most exciting fast bowlers in the competition.
Looking Ahead
For the Originals, this victory is not just two points—it’s a much-needed momentum shift. Their top order showed intent, Buttler provided stability, and their bowling attack executed under pressure.
For the Spirit, despite Warner’s brilliance, they will rue the lack of sustained partnerships and the inability to capitalise on late hitting. Still, their competitive spirit and Warner’s form suggest they will remain dangerous opponents.
With the tournament heating up, both sides will be eyeing stronger finishes. The Originals now have proof that their balanced approach—aggressive batting up top and pace-led bowling—can deliver results.