Across 95 balls Manchester Originals controlled their opponents and their own nerves to stand on the brink of defending what had appeared a hopelessly small target. Chasing 121, Trent Rockets found themselves needing 11 off the final five, with Richard Gleeson to bowl it and Lewis Gregory, their captain, on strike.
The 196th ball of the final saw the contest finally slip off its knife-edge. Gregory brilliantly flicked it over square leg for six, the next went fine for four, and a single saw his side home with two wickets and as many balls to spare. “Our depth has probably been the biggest strength of our squad,” said Sam Cook. “A bloke like that’s got the ability to hit the best bowlers in the world out the park. We’ve chased really well in this competition but when we’ve lost wickets the guys down the order have really contributed.”
