Jos Buttler ignited Old Trafford like a wildfire on a summer's day, his blistering 90 off just 50 deliveries sending shockwaves through the crowd as Manchester Super Giants crushed Birmingham Phoenix by 87 runs in The Hundred. This crushing win cemented the Super Giants' unbeaten record and ensured they continued their dominance of the tournament.
The England wicketkeeper-batter was on fire, his masterful innings a showcase of power and finesse as he plundered seven fours and five sixes to propel the home side to an imposing 187-5 from their 100-ball allocation. This total is now second only to the highest ever recorded at Old Trafford in The Hundred.
Buttler's half-century, reached in just 31 balls, was a statement of intent – and he didn't let up after that milestone, racing towards his eventual dismissal with just three balls remaining. Tom Moores also chipped in with an unbeaten 39 from 17 deliveries, adding vital steel to the Super Giants' innings.
Phoenix's chase imploded spectacularly, with Josh Tongue (2-21) striking twice in consecutive deliveries to remove Will Smeed and Rehan Ahmed. Joe Clarke fell next to Liam Dawson (3-15), who was unstoppable as he dismantled the Phoenix batting line-up – Laurie Evans was his next scalp.
Donovan Ferreira's 23 top-scored for the visitors, but it wasn't enough to stem the wicketfall or keep pace with the required run rate. Eventually, Phoenix were bundled out for a mere 100 runs from their allotted 97 balls, handing the Super Giants a crushing victory and inflicting the first defeat of the campaign on the visitors.