Cricket

Pakistan's Usama Mir Dismissed in Bizarre Hit Wicket Incident in The HundredIn an extraordinary turn of events, Pakistan's Usama Mir became the victim of an unusual hit wicket dismissal during a The Hundred Men's match between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at the Rose Bowl in Southampton on Thursday. The incident occurred on the final delivery of the Manchester innings, leaving fans and commentators alike in disbelief.As Chris Jordan bowled a yorker outside the off stump, Mir, who was deep inside his crease, attempted a shot but inadvertently struck the top of the stumps with his bat. The right-hander's unexpected dismissal was one of the most peculiar ways a batter can get out.Mir had managed to score 11 runs off seven balls, including two boundaries, before his bizarre exit. Manchester Originals posted a total of 116 for 6, which proved insufficient against the Southern Brave. The Brave chased down the target with ease, securing a comprehensive win by 7 wickets with 22 balls to spare.The Hundred's official handle on Twitter shared a visual of the incident, highlighting the unusual nature of the dismissal. The caption read: "You don’t see batters get out like this very often! Usama Mir hits his wicket on the final ball of Manchester Originals’ innings."The bizarre dismissal has sparked discussions among cricket enthusiasts, with many expressing their surprise and amusement. It serves as a reminder that even in a sport as familiar as cricket, unexpected and extraordinary incidents can occur.

Manchester Originals emerged victorious in their clash against defending champions Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl, securing a six-wicket win. Laura Wolvaardt's unbeaten 78 proved pivotal in the Originals' triumph, guiding them to victory with just two balls to spare.Brave's innings got off to a promising start, with Danni Wyatt and Maia Bouchier establishing a 51-run partnership. However, the introduction of Sophie Ecclestone proved decisive, as the England spinner claimed both Wyatt and Charli Knott in quick succession.Wolvaardt and Eve Jones then took control of the chase, forging an 80-run stand for the second wicket. Wolvaardt's innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, as she struck 11 boundaries in her 52-ball knock. Jones provided valuable support, contributing 39 runs before falling to Georgia Adams.Ecclestone's brief cameo included a six, while Wolvaardt remained steadfast at the crease, ensuring the Originals' victory. The win marks the Originals' second of the tournament, while Brave remain winless after three matches.Wolvaardt, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her satisfaction with the chase, acknowledging the team's firepower and her own determination to take the game deep. She also praised Jones' contribution, highlighting her consistent performance throughout the tournament.

Birmingham Phoenix finally broke their 12-match losing streak in The Hundred with a thrilling three-run victory over Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge. Australian star Ellyse Perry played a pivotal role for Phoenix, shining with both bat and ball.Phoenix opted to bat first and got off to a steady start with Sophie Devine and Sterre Kalis forming a 32-run opening partnership. However, Alana King provided the breakthrough for Rockets, dismissing Devine for 17. Perry then joined Kalis at the crease and accelerated the scoring rate.Perry played a blistering knock of 66 from just 34 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Her partnership with Kalis yielded 102 runs from 60 balls, setting a competitive target of 139 for Rockets.In the chase, Rockets lost early wickets, with Perry dismissing Scrivens and taking a brilliant catch to remove Bryony Smith. Nat Sciver-Brunt looked in fine form, reaching her sixth half-century in The Hundred. However, the dismissals of Ash Gardner and Sciver-Brunt brought Phoenix back into the game.Rockets needed 27 runs from the last 10 balls, and Heather Graham gave them hope with a flurry of boundaries. However, Phoenix held their nerve, with Graham falling short by two runs on the final ball.Perry, who was named Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at the victory. "We played with a lot of spirit today and it's nice to get over the line in a tight one," she said. "The total felt defendable, but they chased well. To hold our nerve at the end was awesome."

Northern Superchargers and Southern Brave played out a thrilling tie in the Hundred, with Kate Cross scrambling two runs off the final ball to level the scores.On a slow and used wicket, boundary-hitting was at a premium, and Superchargers' chase of 100 was a tense affair. Southern Brave, led by captain Georgia Adams, used the conditions to their advantage, keeping the stumps in play and applying constant pressure.Lauren Bell was the standout performer for Brave, taking 4 for 11 with her accurate seam bowling. Phoebe Litchfield and Alice Davidson-Richards looked to have the chase under control for Superchargers, but both were dismissed at crucial moments.Only Maia Bouchier and Chloe Tryon passed 20 for Southern Brave, but Rhianna Southby and Bell played important roles with the bat, guiding their team to a three-figure total.Superchargers' chase was always behind the required rate, and they needed 10 runs from the final five balls. Cross hit a boundary off the fourth ball, and then scrambled two runs off the final delivery to secure the tie.Both sides will feel they missed the opportunity to get their first win of the Hundred, but the tie was a fair reflection of a closely contested match.

Oval Invincibles emerged victorious in their clash against Welsh Fire at Cardiff, securing a six-wicket triumph. England's rising star, Alice Capsey, once again showcased her brilliance, contributing a well-crafted 59 runs to the Invincibles' total.Capsey's innings, spanning 48 deliveries, featured seven boundaries. Her dismissal, a spectacular catch by Hayley Matthews off Freya Davies, came with 27 runs still required. However, all-rounders Marizanne Kapp (26*) and Mady Villiers (11*) stepped up to the plate, guiding the Invincibles to victory with 12 balls to spare.The Invincibles' chase faced an early setback with the dismissal of Lauren Winfield-Hill on the second ball. Paige Schofield and Capsey steadied the innings, reaching 37 for 1 after 20 balls. Capsey survived a crucial drop by Ismail off Jess Jonassen and went on to reach her half-century from 42 deliveries.Welsh Fire, who elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum. Tammy Beaumont departed early, followed by the dangerous Hayley Matthews. Sophia Dunkley's 35 from 26 balls provided some resistance, but Amanda-Jade Wellington's dismissal of Dunkley and Jonassen's unbeaten 32 from 22 balls left Welsh Fire with a below-par total of 116 for 5.Capsey, named the Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her satisfaction with her performance, highlighting the importance of capitalizing on the pace in the powerplay and building partnerships. She also emphasized her improved calmness, which has contributed to her success.

Trent Rockets commenced their Hundred campaign with a resounding 20-run victory over Northern Superchargers at Headingley, showcasing the prowess of their spin attack.Chasing a modest target of 124 on a dry pitch, the Superchargers faltered, mustering only 103 all out in 97 deliveries. Australian legspinner Alana King emerged as the tormentor-in-chief, claiming two crucial wickets for just 17 runs. Her mesmerizing delivery that dismissed Bess Heath would have drawn applause from the legendary Shane Warne.Lucy Higham's valiant 26 was the highest score for the Superchargers, but King, alongside fellow spinners Kirstie Gordon and Ash Gardner, tightened the screws. Aussie seamer Heather Graham also impressed with three wickets for 13 runs.Earlier, Grace Scrivens set the tone for the Rockets, showcasing her brilliance with six boundaries in her 32-run knock off 22 deliveries. However, her innings was cut short by Annabel Sutherland, who also accounted for Bryony Smith's wicket.Nat Sciver-Brunt, in a commendable all-round performance, remained unbeaten on 36 from 34 balls. Despite her efforts, the Superchargers' fielding was exceptional, restricting the Rockets to 123 for 5. Sutherland's three wickets, including Katie George's lbw dismissal, proved crucial in limiting the visitors' total.The Superchargers' batting faltered, falling short of the target as the Rockets secured a commanding victory."The wicket offered some turn and grip, which was beneficial for us," King remarked. "We kept our plans simple and it paid off. I relish pitches with some spin, and I'm delighted to have contributed."King expressed her satisfaction with the delivery that bowled Heath, describing it as a "leg-spinner's dream." She also praised the contributions of fellow Australians Gardner and Graham, highlighting the team's camaraderie.

Welsh Fire emerged victorious over Manchester Originals in a thrilling encounter at Emirates Old Trafford, securing a seven-wicket triumph in the Hundred. Sophia Dunkley's masterful 69 from 47 deliveries proved pivotal in guiding her side to victory, despite a mid-innings wobble.Manchester Originals posted a modest total of 113 for 7, with captain Sophie Ecclestone's late cameo of 27 from 15 balls providing a glimmer of hope. However, Welsh Fire's bowling attack, led by Jess Jonassen's three wickets, kept the Originals in check.Dunkley's innings was a masterclass in adaptability. She initially struggled to time the ball, but as she settled into her rhythm, she began to find the boundaries with ease. Her calculated risks against Ecclestone in the final overs proved decisive, as she guided Welsh Fire to victory with four balls to spare.Ecclestone's innings had earlier given the Originals a fighting chance. Her lusty blows for six showcased her power-hitting prowess. However, the Originals' batting lineup failed to capitalize on the solid start provided by Laura Woolvardt and Beth Mooney, who had raced to a 58-run partnership.Dunkley's half-century continued a trend of England Women's players excelling in the Hundred. Her performance echoed the sentiments of head coach Jon Lewis, who had challenged his players to dominate the competition."It got a bit closer than we thought," admitted Dunkley after the match. "I didn't feel in the innings for the first half. But once you got the pace of the wicket, it was easier. At the end, I had to take some calculated risks, and luckily we got over the line."Welsh Fire's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. They overcame a mid-innings slump and executed their game plan with precision. As they look ahead to the rest of the Hundred, they will be confident in their ability to challenge for the title.

London Spirit's Heather Knight orchestrated a stunning six-wicket victory over reigning champions Southern Brave in a thrilling encounter at The Hundred. Chasing 152, Knight's unbeaten 65 from 31 balls proved decisive, guiding her team to victory with three deliveries to spare.Southern Brave's innings was anchored by Danni Wyatt's 59 from 35 balls, making her The Hundred's all-time leading run-scorer. Maia Bouchier contributed 35 before a mix-up with Wyatt led to her run-out. Georgia Adams and Chloe Tryon propelled Brave to 151 for 6.Spirit's reply began slowly, with Meg Lanning dismissed by 16-year-old debutant Tilly Corteen-Coleman. Georgia Redmayne provided momentum with 45 from 31, before Charli Knott's direct hit removed Dani Gibson.Knight took charge, hitting three consecutive boundaries off Knott to bring Spirit back into contention. Despite Knott's dismissal of Gibson, Knight remained composed, dispatching Adams to the boundary for the winning runs.Knight's match-winning performance earned her the Meerkat Match Hero award. She acknowledged the difficulty of beating Brave at home and praised Wyatt's innings. Knight emphasized the importance of clear shot selection and the impact of the quick outfield in enabling Spirit to catch up quickly.