Right then! That's all from this game! What a thriller and it is Welsh Fire who get their campaign going. On Sunday, 25th July 2021, we have another double-header as London Spirit Men face Oval Invincibles Men followed by the clash between Manchester Originals Men against Birmingham Phoenix Men. The action will begin at 1430 local (1330 GMT). Do join us then. Cheers and take care.
Ben Stokes, the Northern Superchargers skipper, says that credit must go to Brook who got them close. Adds that they have been there for a short time and they have the mindset to win from any position. Tells that they want the guys to express themselves. States that they could have bowled better but it is part and parcel of the game. Says that they were rushing after the 50 balls and Bairstow faced the brunt. Adds that they don't get to play against each other often and the Hundred is a great competition. Tells that he said 3-4 years ago to look out for Harry Brook and he is not scared of any situation and that is a good thing. Goes onto say him bowling 10 balls in a row was a spur in the moment decision. Goes onto say that he has one more game before playing the series against India. Tells that du Plessis is struggling with an injury and they don't want to rush him.
Qais Ahmad, Hero of the Match is up for a chat, says that he really enjoyed it. Says that the pitch is not too much spinning. Says that he really enjoyed the game.
The bowling from Welsh Fire was led by Qais Ahmad! He was simply sensational and his 4-fer was the difference between the two sides. Liam Plunkett had an off day as he was punished while James Neesham was also taken to the cleaners. Apart from Qais Ahmad, it was Jake Ball who kept his cool towards the end and bowled splendidly to help Welsh Fire win their first game. Brilliant performance. Stay tuned for the presentation ceremony!
Northern Superchargers had a disastrous start to their chase as they kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and they were in deep trouble at one stage. It looked like they will lose by a big margin but Harry Brook had other plans. He played majestic innings and he took Stokes' men close but he fell at the wrong time. Tom Kohler-Cadmore played a good supporting role while there were some lusty blows from the lower order but they fell short by 5 runs.
Wow! What a thriller of a match and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Hundred is up and running and we have got some exciting matches already and we have a lot more to go. Take a bow, Jake Ball, he bowled a superb last over to take Welsh Fire home. But credit to Northern Superchargers, they fought and fought till the end but they fell just short.
Over 20
1
1
1lb
1
1
Brydon Carse*
11 (8)
Matty Potts
20 (10)
Jake Ball
1/24 (4)
NOS
168/7
1
100
Jake Ball to Brydon Carse ,Just a single! A short of a length ball on middle. Carse pulls it to deep square leg for a single. Welsh Fire win by 5 runs.
1
99
Jake Ball to Matty Potts ,That is a nasty hit! A full ball on middle. Potts smashes it straight back to the bowler. Jake Ball goes away from it but gets hit on the back. Single taken.
1lb
98
Jake Ball to Brydon Carse ,LEG BYE! Missed it! A length ball around leg. Carse is too early on his pull, gets hit on the body and they take a leg bye.
1
97
Jake Ball to Matty Potts ,Brilliant delivery! A yorker on middle. Potts digs it out to the leg side for one.
1
96
Jake Ball to Brydon Carse ,Comes around the wicket and bowls a full ball on middle. Carse works it to long on for one.
Jake Ball will bowl the final five balls. Can he defend 11?
Over 19
1
2
4
4
1
Matty Potts*
18 (8)
Brydon Carse
9 (5)
David Payne
0/42 (4)
NOS
163/7
1
95
David Payne to Matty Potts ,Around off, this is pushed to mid off for a single. 11 runs required off 5 balls.
4
94
David Payne to Matty Potts ,FOUR! This game is going down the wire! A short of a length ball on middle. Potts stays back and pulls it wide of mid-wicket for a boundary.
4
93
David Payne to Matty Potts ,FOUR! Northern Superchargers will take it however it comes! A short ball again on middle. Potts looks to pull but gets a leading edge over the keeper's head for a boundary.
2
92
David Payne to Matty Potts ,CHANCE! A short ball on middle. Potts looks to pull but gets a top edge towards short third man who runs back gets a hand to it but pops it out in the end. Two taken.
1
91
David Payne to Brydon Carse ,A slower short ball on middle. Brydon Carse pulls it to deep square leg for a single.
Jonny Bairstow is being told that he has passed the cut-off time to complete 95 balls and he has to bring in one fielder inside the ring. David Payne is into the attack.