In a thrilling finish at Emirates Old Trafford, the Trent Rockets secured a narrow one-run victory over the Manchester Originals. Jordan Thompson emerged as the hero, defending just two runs in the final three balls to clinch the win for his team.
The match was marked by tight finishes, echoing the earlier game, where the Originals' women's team won by a single run. Sikandar Raza's quick 21 off 12 balls brought the Originals close, but his run-out with one ball remaining left Max Holden needing two runs for victory. Holden, however, only managed to top-edge a pull shot to Sam Hain, sealing the victory for the Rockets.
Tom Banton gave the Rockets a strong start, with support from Rovman Powell, who scored 27, and Rashid Khan, who contributed a quick 15 in his first game of the season. Tom Hartley's impressive 3 for 25 on a slow pitch set a challenging target for the Originals, especially with spinners Rashid and Imad Wasim in the attack. Despite Paul Walter hitting three sixes, the Rockets' spinners claimed three wickets in six balls, creating doubt among the Originals' supporters. Raza nearly led a successful chase, but Thompson's late intervention ensured the Rockets' second consecutive win.
Tom Banton, named Meerkat Match Hero, described the game as a rollercoaster of emotions. He highlighted the importance of pressuring the bowlers and expressed satisfaction with the Rockets' strong start to the competition. Banton emphasised that the team's goal was to qualify for the next stages, and their two wins set a positive tone for their campaign.