Jos Buttler’s measured 59 could not stop the Manchester Originals from slipping to an enthralling Hundred defeat in the cross-Pennine derby with Northern Superchargers at Emirates Old Trafford.
The England white-ball captain scored only his second half-century in 14 innings since replacing Eoin Morgan at the end of June, his top-score in a competitive 161 for four.
But that total was overhauled with six wickets and as many balls to spare thanks to opener Adam Lyth’s 51 off 30 balls and a crucial 33 from England star of the future Harry Brook, including two leg-side sixes.
Buttler worked the ball well in a 41-ball innings which showed flashes of brilliance in the opening game for the two rivals.
After being inserted, Buttler hit one of eight sixes in a Manchester innings which set off well, slowed and finished with a bang in no small part to fellow superstar Andre Russell’s unbeaten 29.
He hoisted the 50th ball of the innings over wide long on for six off international colleague Adil Rashid, although the leg-spinner would later get revenge.
Buttler shared 84 for the second wicket with Wayne Madsen, who displayed many of his skipper’s inventive qualities – the scoops, ramps and flicks – in 43 off 26 deliveries.
Buttler and Madsen shared 84 in 53 balls for the second wicket, advancing from 16 for one after David Willey’s early strike to get Salt caught at short cover.
Willey was the pick of the Superchargers bowlers with two for 24 from his 20 balls, ending Madsen’s stay when he miscued to cover, leaving the home side 100 for two after 64 balls.
From there, the Superchargers slowed the rate for a while. Rashid was excellent, going at only a run-a-ball and claiming the big wicket of Buttler, who was bowled having skipped
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