Joe Clarke powers Originals to seven-wicket win as Welsh Fire's unbeaten run ends
Taxing but obtainable target of 151 hunted down with five balls to spare in Cardiff
Taxing but obtainable target of 151 hunted down with five balls to spare in Cardiff
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: Matt Roller
Thanks for joining us this afternoon. Clinical stuff from the Originals who go second in the table, with five points from four games, leapfrogging the Fire who have a game in hand. There's one more game to come tonight in the Hundred, the Superchargers' men against the Invincibles, so jump over there shortly.
5.10pm: Pretty convincing performance from the Originals. Three key performances: Hartley and Ferguson with the ball, and Clarke with the bat. Munro and Salt played important hands too in the chase. For the Fire, du Plooy, Duckett and Critchley all played important cameos but their bowling didn't really click, and once the Originals got ahead of the game it was always going to be difficult to peg them back.
Joe Clarke is the hero of the match. "I was a bit everywhere after my first five or six balls. I love batting with Salty, we're always taking the aggressive option. [Better player now?] I had the experience of playing some franchise cricket over the winter and the responsibility of being an overseas player which I think makes you a better player. [No. 3 vs opening?] It doesn't change the way I go about things, just playing that aggressive brand of cricket that most teams play now. We thought it was going to be a worse wicket than it played. The bowlers thought they were 15-20 short which gave us confidence. [Disappointed to miss out on ODI squad?] Not really, I was actually isolating. I had Covid, so I was stuck in the room. It was so good to watch the depth of English cricket. [Far away?] I'm not sure, to be honest... just trying to enjoy playing for Notts and this opportunity with the Manchester Originals. [Word on Stokes] I'm sure all the cricketers around the world are with you and hoping you feel better soon."
2 off 6 required.
Payne to finish his allocation.
10 off 10 required as Carlos Brathwaite, the stand-in skipper, strides out to the middle.
Craig: "Controversial opinion- Welsh Fire look bang average minus Bairstow's leadership" -- Their attack has looked weak throughout to me.
Taxing but obtainable target of 151 hunted down with five balls to spare in Cardiff