Oval Invincibles 186 for 5 (Klaasen 60, Roy 59) beat Manchester Originals 92 (Overton 37, Johnson 3-1, Narine 3-12) by 94 runs
The Hundred’s customary introductory flames were overshadowed by early pyrotechnics on the pitch from Invincibles openers Roy and Will Jacks.
The latter made an electric start as he smote one six over cover before scattering the crowd with another mighty blow as 52 came from the powerplay. There was a sense of relief among Originals when he departed for 32 off 13, but they’d figured without Klaasen.
A huge early six off Paul Walter signalled his intent while a second just failed to clear the ground, much to the relief of residents in nearby Clayton Road. These were two of five sixes which took Klaasen to 50 in 23 balls. A sixth followed before Josh Little ended the fun.
At that stage Invincibles were threatening the highest-ever Hundred score of 208 for 5 by Originals last season, but they fell away towards the end.
Roy, who successfully reviewed after being given out lbw on 23, was pedestrian in comparison to Klaasen, but nevertheless peppered the ropes in his own accomplished half-century from 34 balls. However, he was one of two victims for Overton in the pace bowler’s last set as the hosts reached 186.
A paltry 19 came from the powerplay and while Buttler survived a close shout for a run out the rate continued to escalate. Narine’s wily spin accounted for Laurie Evans and Max Holden in the same set, the latter making a duck for the second game in a row, victim of a good catch by man of the moment Klaasen.
By this stage the batting malaise had spread to Buttler, who’d managed only a run a ball when he holed out at deep mid-on off Nathan Sowter and with his departure Originals’ chances all but ended. Walter followed two balls later and only Overton’s late blows saved Originals from a greater humbling.