Anderson and Buttler were the stars for Manchester Originals

Manchester Originals 140-3 beat Northern Superchargers 139-8 

England internationals James Anderson and Jos Buttler starred as Manchester Originals claimed a commanding seven-wicket victory over local rivals Northern Superchargers.

Author | Desmond

Stadium | Headingley

Anderson, recalled after missing the Originals’ previous five matches, struck early with two wickets in a superb 10-ball opening spell, restricting the Superchargers to 139-8 at Headingley.

Chasing on a slightly tricky surface, the task appeared challenging, but Buttler quickly took control. The former England captain struck seven fours and five towering sixes, reaching fifty from 27 balls and finishing on 70 from 37 before falling with just 10 runs remaining.

Rachin Ravindra contributed significantly, putting on 99 runs in partnership and finishing unbeaten on 47 from 23 balls, including two powerful boundaries to seal the win.

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Superchargers’ only real resistance came from Samit Patel, who scored 42 from 19 balls, including three sixes, before being dismissed by Tom Aspinwall.

The victory lifts Originals off the bottom of the table, while Northern Superchargers will seek redemption in the Eliminator at The Oval on Saturday.

The value of experience

It was once said that the shorter formats were a young man’s game, but at Headingley, it was two players in their forties who led the way in the first innings.

Anderson, 43, set the tone with the new ball. The England swing legend quickly got the ball moving and, after a tidy opening spell, was asked to bowl five more deliveries and struck twice. Dawid Malan was first to fall, caught by Jos Buttler after misjudging an out-swinger.

Anderson’s second victim, Dan Lawrence, was trapped lbw by a nip-backer. The England and Lancashire icon might have taken four wickets but for two dropped catches in the deep by Harry Brook and David Miller, while a six off Samit Patel slightly inflated his figures to 2-30.

Patel’s own fireworks were curtailed by Buttler, 34, whose blistering innings saw Manchester Originals secure a commanding win.