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Andre Russell smashed 64 from just 23 balls to set up a comfortable victory for Manchester Originals over defending champions Southern Brave.

England white-ball captain Jos Buttler added 68 from 42 balls as the Originals posted 188-3.

Both batters smashed five sixes each to punish a depleted Brave bowling attack that was missing England internationals Chris Jordan and Tymal Mills through injury.

Brave, who won all their matches at the Ageas Bowl last year, struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were bowled out for 120 to lose by 68 runs.

Originals, who have now won their last two games after losing their first three, put in a fine bowling performance, with Paul Walter taking 3-20.

Here's what also happened:

• Phil Salt struck 38 from 22 balls as he and Buttler added 64 for the first wicket.

• James Vince raced to 20 from nine balls in Brave's reply before he was dismissed by a brilliant caught and bowled by Sean Abbott.

• Originals bowlers shared the wickets in a fine all-round performance, with spinners Matt Parkinson and Tristan Stubbs taking two each.

What's next?

• Manchester Originals' next game is against Northern Superchargers on Sunday 21 August at Headingley, while Southern Brave travel to Cardiff to take on Welsh Fire on Monday 22 August.

Southern Brave captain James Vince, speaking to Sky Sports: "On the whole they were a much better side tonight. We've talked about the quality they have with the bat. Even though there were big boundaries tonight, these guys cleared them.

"Obviously our attack is completely different than it was last year, maybe it's putting pressure on our batters. It's not an ideal situation but we can't make excuses. We've still got decent players."

[On replacing Marcus Stoinis who was playing his final game] "Paul Stirling joins up with us but I'm a little bit out of the loop to be honest.

"The only way to turn it around is to be positive, this not a format you can sit back on. I don't think we can qualify now but we will keep positive."

Image source, Getty Images

Match Hero Andre Russell speaking to Sky Sports: "This is my fifth game and I've been feeling confident with the bat, but the runs weren't coming. But I kept believing and today I did what I do best. I'm happy with the win, hopefully we keep the momentum going.

"We don't have control of the other games, we just need to keep picking up points. We have a very good team, we should have won maybe two from four or three from four. But we keep on going.

"My strength was coming on and hoping to take on the spinners. But when I saw the amount of spin coming, based on the amount of balls remaining I said to the skipper they must have at least 20 balls of pace left.

"I said hey, let's just see it out until the end, and then go. I was batting it out and thinking about the last 20. We actually got well above par which I thought was about 160, 165. It's been amazing. This format is very quick, you have to keep thinking. You've got to keep moving. It's very fun and fast. I love it, I'm enjoying it so far."

Andre Russell was named hero of the match. We'll hear from him shortly.

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester Originals skipper Jos Buttler, speaking to Sky Sports: "It's nice to build that momentum. We certainly needed that after losing the first three. We know we are under pressure but we have nothing to lose.

"I have been feeling good with the bat and wanting to make those contributions. Andre Russell did what he does best. He has been threatening to do that and it was great to watch. He is one of the premier T20 and Hundred players around and is desperate to show what he can do. History tells you he would put in a performance and it was just a matter of time."

On limping: "Just getting a bit older I think! It's the change in climate I think from hot to cold."

Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on ±«Óãtv radio

I love how Manchester Originals have used Andre Russell. They got a foundation early on and I think around 60 balls in, they brought him in. After that it's only two or three balls for him to get going. There are not many many players in the world who can do it like him and do it that consistently.

That win by Manchester Originals, by 68 runs, is the biggest margin of victory in the men's Hundred this year.

Melissa Story
±«Óãtv Radio

What a dramatic anti-climax in the end. Southern Brave well and truly out of this competition now.

Manchester Originals winpublished at 21:40 British Summer Time 18 August 2022

21:40 BST 18 August 2022

As convincing a victory as you will see in The Hundred this year.

Melissa Story
±«Óãtv Radio

It's been reviewed by Southern Brave because they may as well.

Dan Moriarty attempts to reverse sweep Matt Parkinson and is given out on the field. This looks like it is out.

Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on ±«Óãtv radio

That's exactly what Manchester Originals want. They need to get these two wickets and be more clinical. Jos Buttler, meanwhile, is hobbling a bit. He's just feeling his hamstring.

Carlos Brathwaite
West Indies all-rounder on ±«Óãtv radio

Well, that is a massive hit. High and far, 97 metres. I'd love it if he had the helmet camera on.

Brave 189-7published at 22 balls left

22 balls left

Stand and deliver from Ross Whiteley, who hits a huge six down the ground off Paul Walter giving those Brave fans still in the ground something to cheer. Next ball he wallops it back past the bowler for a four. He's having some fun.

Melissa Story
±«Óãtv Radio

That drop was almost like a pre-season warm-up game in April, at 12 degrees, where you say, "Does a wicket really mean that much to me?"

Reminiscent of the Chuckle Brothers from Sean Abbott and Jos Butter as they both leave a catch for each other after Ross Whiteley hit one high into the sky.