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Under immense pressure due to a poor start to the Hundred 2024 campaign, Phil Salt exploded onto the scene with breathtaking innings of 58 runs, including a colossal 101-meter six, as Manchester Originals defeated London Spirit by 12 runs at Lord’s on Thursday.
Salt’s knock was instrumental in propelling the Originals to a competitive total of 135/5, a score that proved to be enough to defend against a spirited chase by the Spirit.
Phil Salt launches Olly Stone for a huge six
Salt’s 101-metre six will be talked about for a long time. It was a moment of pure brilliance that showcased his immense talent. The tension had been palpable as Olly Stone ran in to deliver. He released the ball, a full-length delivery aimed at the stumps. But Salt was ready. With a lightning-quick movement, he swiveled his bat and connected with the ball squarely.
The sound of the bat meeting the ball was a crisp, satisfying crack. The ball left the middle of the bat with ferocious power, soaring high into the London sky. It was a majestic arc, a breathtaking spectacle that captured everyone’s attention. The crowd gasped as they realized the sheer distance the ball was traveling.
As it cleared the boundary ropes, a collective roar erupted from the stands as they were all watching the ball leaving the stadium. The ball landed with a thud, a staggering 101 meters away from where Salt had stood. It was a six of immense power and precision, a shot that would be replayed countless times and etched into the memory of those fortunate enough to have witnessed it.
As Salt raised his bat in acknowledgment of the crowd’s adoration, it was clear that this innings was turning into something truly special. His fifty was up, and it had been a brutal assault on the Spirit bowlers.
Here’s the video:
50 runs reached in Phil Salt style 😎#TheHundred | #RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/U5uwaydSAE
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 9, 2024
Also WATCH: Fazalhaq Farooqi cleans up Ollie Pope with a peach of a delivery in The Hundred 2024
Manchester Originals set a target
Batting first, the Originals got off to a shaky start, losing Matthew Hurst early. However, Max Holden and Phil Salt steadied the ship with a solid partnership. Just when the duo looked set to take the game away from the Spirit, Holden was run out for 38.
This brought Salt to the crease, and the pressure was on the English opener to deliver. Having struggled for form throughout the tournament, Salt knew this was a golden opportunity to turn things around.
Salt’s explosive cameo
The aggressive batter seized the moment with both hands. He started cautiously but soon found his rhythm, unleashing a barrage of shots around the ground. His partnership with Paul Walter was crucial in accelerating the scoring rate.
Salt’s innings came to an end when he was caught by Shimron Hetmyer off Stone’s bowling, but by then, he had done enough to change the momentum of the match. His 58 runs came off just 41 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his destructive ability.
London Spirit’s chase falls short
Chasing 136 for victory, London Spirit got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Keaton Jennings and Shimron Hetmyer tried to rebuild the innings, but the required run rate kept climbing.
Hetmyer played a valiant knock of 44, but it wasn’t enough to take his team to victory. The Spirit eventually finished on 123/5, falling short by 12 runs. Fazalhaq Farooqi was the pick of the bowlers for Manchester Originals, claiming three wickets.
However, a win against a formidable opponent like Originals would undoubtedly lift the Spirit camp’s morale and position them as a strong contender for the title. On the other hand, Manchester would be looking to regroup and bounce back in their subsequent matches.
