Birmingham Phoenix crush Originals to reach The Hundred Eliminator

Duckett's unbeaten 22 guides Phoenix to crucial win and to keep their title hopes alive

Birmingham Phoenix secured their place in the Eliminator of The Hundred men's competition with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Manchester Originals at Edgbaston on Thursday. The match, reduced to 30 balls per side due to rain, saw Phoenix comfortably chase down a modest target of 42 with eight balls to spare.

Manchester Originals struggled to find momentum in the shortened game, managing only 41 for 5 in their 30 balls. Max Holden top-scored with 15, while Phil Salt contributed 12, but the team failed to build any significant partnerships.

New Zealand pacer Adam Milne was instrumental in restricting the Originals, taking 2 for 8, including the early wicket of Matty Hurst in the second ball of the match. The Phoenix bowlers effectively exploited the seam-friendly conditions, with Tim Southee, Sean Abbott, and Chris Wood each taking a wicket to keep the Originals in check.

In response, Birmingham Phoenix chased the target with ease. Jamie Smith set the tone early, hitting Fazalhaq Farooqi for two sixes in the first five balls. Despite losing Smith for 14, Ben Duckett took charge, finishing unbeaten on 22 from 12 balls.

Captain Moeen Ali sealed the win in style, hitting a six to finish the game with eight balls remaining. The victory was crucial for Phoenix, as a loss would have allowed Northern Superchargers to overtake them in the standings and reach the Eliminator instead.

Phoenix will now face Southern Brave in the Eliminator at The Kia Oval on Saturday. The winner of that match will advance to the final, where they will meet Oval Invincibles on Sunday, who topped the group stage to secure their place in the Lord's final.

For Manchester Originals, the defeat marked the end of their campaign, as they were already out of contention for qualification.