Southern Brave 117 for 3 (Evans 25) triumphed over Manchester Originals 116 for 6 (Madsen 43, C Overton 2-11) by seven wickets
A disciplined bowling performance by Southern Brave paved the way for a comfortable seven-wicket victory against winless Manchester Originals at the Utilita Bowl. The Originals were restricted to 116 for 6, and the hosts, despite resting Jofra Archer, chased down the target with 22 balls remaining in front of a crowd of 10,337.
Craig Overton led the bowling attack for the home side, taking 2 for 11 from 20 balls. England's Tymal Mills and Chris Jordan also claimed two wickets each. Brave's opener Alex Davies set the tone with a quick-fire 24 off 12 balls, and Laurie Evans sealed the win with an unbeaten 25 from 15 balls.
This win propelled Brave to join four teams on four points at the top of the table, while the Originals, missing their injured captain Jos Buttler, remained at the bottom.
Brave captain James Vince chose to bowl first due to the threat of rain, but the game ended before the wet weather could intervene thanks to an inspired bowling effort. Craig Overton quickly dismissed openers Phil Salt and Max Holden, leaving the visitors struggling at 16 for 2 after the 25-ball power play.
Veteran batsman Wayne Madsen tried to stabilize the innings with an unbeaten 43 off 37 balls, eventually finding support from Jamie Overton. The duo added 57 valuable runs, with Jamie Overton hitting one of only two sixes in the innings. However, Mills bowled Jamie Overton with a slower ball, and Usama Mir hit his own stumps, ending the innings on a low note.
Davies gave Brave a flying start, scoring 24 from 10 balls before Vince had faced a delivery. Tom Hartley dismissed Davies, who chipped a catch to Paul Walter, but steady 20s from Vince and Leus du Plooy kept Brave on track. Evans and James Coles completed the chase, with a misfield handing the hosts the winning runs.
Craig Overton, named Meerkat Match Hero, remarked, "It was a great win. We focused on hitting the top of the stumps and making it difficult for their batters. Winning home games is crucial for us - if we can secure a win away, we'll be in a strong position to reach the knockouts."
Vince added, "Al's rapid start put us ahead of the game. We didn't let them back in, and Laurie finished it off well for us tonight."