The Northern Superchargers, after enduring a tumultuous week, marked their return to winning ways in the men’s Hundred, thanks to the magnificent efforts of Nicholas Pooran. His unbeaten 66 off just 33 balls was instrumental in their chase against the Manchester Originals at Old Trafford on Sunday, August 11.
The contest seemed to be slipping away from the Superchargers’ grasp as they found themselves needing 49 runs off just 20 deliveries. The tension was palpable, not only among the players but the supporters as well. It was at this critical juncture that Pooran decided to take charge. In the 17th set of the innings, bowled by Paul Walter, the West Indies left-hander kickstarted the charge by hitting a boundary, which was quickly followed by Adam Hose delivering the same result, thereby bringing the equation down to 37 required off 15 balls.
The 18th set saw Adam Hose continuing the assault, sending a ball from Scott Currie soaring over the boundary for a six, contributing to a valuable 11-run over. This left the Superchargers needing 26 off the final 10 balls – a challenging, yet not insurmountable target if they played their cards right.
Cue in Nicholas Pooran. With a display of power-hitting that left both fans and commentators in awe, Pooran faced body-mowering Afghan pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi. What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Pooran struck three massive sixes and a dot ball off Farooqi’s four deliveries, effectively sealing the game in their favor before Adam Hose concluded the proceedings with a final six, clinching the match for the Superchargers.
This victory not only showcased Pooran’s remarkable talent but also highlighted his pivotal role in the Superchargers’ campaign. Averaging 45 with a striking rate of 150.3, Pooran is currently the second-highest run-getter of the tournament.
. His innings included eight colossal sixes, with one, in particular, capturing global attention—a monumental 113-meter six off Scott Currie.
Pooran was at 24 off 20 balls when he launched a full delivery from Currie high over the square-leg boundary for his most towering hit. The sheer distance of the six left the commentators in stunned silence, their jaws almost dropping to the floor in astonishment. But for Pooran, it was just the beginning of his masterclass as he continued to manage the chase meticulously, ensuring that the opposition never got a moment to breathe easily, even with the required rate climbing over two runs per ball.
You can watch the stunning six by Pooran here:
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The Superchargers’ triumphant chase marked their fourth win of the tournament, earning them a crucial nine points. However, despite the victory, their destiny remains uncertain as they face stiff competition for a spot in the top three. The Birmingham Phoenix are hot on their heels, intensifying the race for the remaining positions in what has already become a fiercely contested Hundred tournament.
With this win, the Superchargers have shown that they possess the resilience and firepower needed to triumph in high-pressure situations. Pooran’s extraordinary ability to perform when it matters most has undeniably reinvigorated the team’s campaign. They now look onward with renewed vigor, ready to tackle the remaining challenges head-on as the tournament progresses.
The upcoming leg of matches will undoubtedly test the mettle of every team involved, but if Nicholas Pooran can continue performing at this stellar level, the Northern Superchargers can hope to maintain their winning ways. The squad’s collective spirit, combined with individual brilliance like that displayed by Pooran, ensures that every game is eagerly awaited, promising more thrilling cricketing action ahead.
