Manchester Super Giants secured a decisive 9-wicket victory over Welsh Fire at Old Trafford on Wednesday, successfully chasing down a target of 156 with 31 balls remaining. The win snapped a three-match losing streak for the hosts, driven by commanding half-centuries from Tim Seifert and Jos Buttler.
During his unbeaten 20-ball 51, Buttler achieved a significant milestone by becoming the highest run-getter in T20 cricket history, overtaking the previous record held by Kieron Pollard. His innings included a spectacular assault on Marco Jansen, where he hit three consecutive sixes, with the first of those shots pushing him past Pollard's mark. Buttler later struck two more sixes off Lockie Ferguson to seal the win.
The Super Giants' chase began strongly. While Seifert found early boundaries, his opening partner, Walter, initially played a supportive role before accelerating against Marco Jansen and Rachin Ravindra, smashing 24 runs in just five balls. Although Sam Cook eventually dismissed Walter at deep mid-wicket, the momentum remained firmly with Manchester.
Earlier, Welsh Fire elected to bat and posted 155 for 4. Despite a slow start, Matthew Short provided impetus by attacking Liam Dawson and Noor Ahmad. Phil Salt also contributed, finding boundaries against Sonny Baker. However, after the pair put together a 125-run opening partnership, both departed in quick succession. The final 17 deliveries saw limited scoring, with Jordan Cox, Ravindra, and Gus Atkinson adding minor contributions. Atkinson was particularly effective with the ball, finishing with figures of 2-12. The loss marks the second defeat of the season for Welsh Fire.
Even as Sam Cook had him caught at deep mid wicket in the 35th ball of the innings, Walter’s fall didn’t derail the chase.
Brief Scores: Welsh Fire 155/4 in 100 balls (Matthew Short 71, Phil Salt 48; Gus Atkinson 2-12) lost to Manchester Super Giants 161/1 in 69 balls (Tim Seifert 62*, Jos Buttler 51*) by 9 wickets
