Russell cameo in vain as Bravo’s Superchargers win

MANCHESTER, England (CMC):

ANDRE RUSSELL’S cameo went in vain as Manchester Originals crashed to a six-wicket defeat to Dwayne Bravo’s Northern Superchargers in their opening game of the Hundred yesterday.

Sent in at Old Trafford, the hosts posted 161 for four with opener Jos Buttler top-scoring with 59 from 41 deliveries and Wayne Madsen getting 43 from 26 balls.

The right-handed Russell, batting at number four, blasted three sixes in a 20-ball unbeaten 29.

In reply, opener Adam Lyth struck 51 from 30 deliveries before Harry Brook arrived to put his side over the line with an unbeaten 33 with six balls to spare.

Originals stumbled early, losing Phil Salt for one with 16 runs on the board but captain Buttler belted half-dozen fours and one six to inspire an 84-run second-wicket stand with Madsen, who notched three fours and a six.

Both perished with nine runs added to leave Originals on 109 for three after 76 deliveries but Russell provided the late fireworks in a 44-run fourth-wicket stand with Paul Walter (23).

Bravo finished with one for 32 from 20 deliveries.

Superchargers then batted well in partnerships, Lyth hitting half-dozen fours and a six in a 30-run opening stand with captain Faf du Plessis (15) before adding a further 35 for the second wicket with Michael Pepper (12).

When Russell removed Lyth holing out to cover, Brook anchored two key stands – 41 for the fourth wicket with David Willey (29) and 35 for the fifth wicket with David Wiese (15 not out).