Laurie Evans [PC: Twitter]
Riding on Laurie Evans' stunning knock, Manchester Originals secured a five-wicket victory over London Spirit in Eliminators of Men's Hundred at the Rose Bowl, Southampton.
With a victory in this fixture, Originals will be up against Trent Rockets in the Finals of the tournament on Saturday.
Ben McDermott scored 59 off 38 [PC: Twitter]
Opting to bat first, Spirit lost their opener, Adam Rossington (2) early to Joshua Little. However, Zak Crawley delivered a quickfire knock in a crucial fixture and steered the team at a lavish rate along with Ben McDermott.
The duo added 69 runs for the second wicket before Crawley (36 off 23) was dismissed by Paul Walter. McDermott continued his onslaught to amass 59 off 38, laced with eight fours and a six.
Soon, the quick wickets of Daniel Lawrence (10) and Eoin Morgan (0) gave Originals an upper hand. Nonetheless, the in-form Ravi Bopara slammed 34 off 16 to help Spirit to finish on a score of 150.
Walter was the pick of the bowlers for Originals with three scalps.
In response to a stiff chase, Originals were off to an absolute flyer with the in-form openers Phil Salt and Evans going all guns blazing to break the ceiling.
The duo added 101 in 50 balls, which already put Originals well ahead of the opposition. The proficient spinners Liam Dawson and Mason Crane put an end to Salt and Evans' innings respectively.
Afterwards, the contribution of Tristan Stubbs (18) and Tom Lammonby (13*) took the team home with 11 balls to spare. For Spirit, Nathan Ellis and Crane picked two wickets each.
London Spirit- 150/7 (100b)
Ben McDermott 59 (38), Zak Crawley 36 (23);
Paul Walter 3/29
Manchester Originals- 151/5 (89b)
Laurie Evans 72 (34), Phil Salt 29 (18);
Nathan Ellis 2/32
Result: Originals won by 5 wickets
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