Photo: Instagram/ @djmalan29A new tournament graced cricket spectators this past week as the English Cricket Board’s competition ‘The Hundred’ was finally underway. And amongst those to instantly make his mark in this tournament was none other than Dawid Malan, who top scored for his franchise Trent Rockets in the debut game of The Hundred.
Kicking off the tournament against Southern Brave, the Trent Rockets were tasked with fielding first and did well to restrict the batting team to just 126 runs. South Africa’s Marchant de Lange was the chief destroyer for the Rockets as he picked up the first five-wicket haul of The Hundred.
In reply, Trent Rockets opener Alex Hales was dismissed first ball, but that didn’t deter their chase one bit as new man Dawid Malan came out all guns blazing. Malan creamed seamer George Garton through the covers for a couple of quick boundaries.
He then targeted the seasoned Chris Jordan, hitting him for two fours and a six on the off side, making light work of the chase. Malan also hit Garton for a flat six over mid-wicket when he came back into the attack, quelling all hopes of a comeback for Southern Brave.
Dawid Malan scored seven fours and two sixes, as he ended his innings at 62*. He forged a partnership of 124 runs alongside Australian opener D’Arcy Short, as the Trent Rockets claimed a formidable nine wicket victory with 18 balls to spare to kick off their Hundred campaign in style.
Pooran packs a punch
Over in the Caribbean, Nicholas Pooran was named man of the match in a low scoring clash against Australia for his stellar half century. Pooran’s knock ensured a Windies win which took their three game ODI series into a decider with the scores locked at one apiece.
Chasing a subpar target of 188 in the second One Day International, West Indies found themselves in a spot of bother as they lost a couple of quick wickets. The score read 72/5 at one point with the Aussie bowlers all over the hosts.
Nicholas Pooran is the hero for West Indies, they were 72 for 5, top order collapse and he stayed till the end to see the team get over the line - unbeaten 59 runs from 75 balls including 2 fours & 2 sixes - helped West Indies to level the series. #WIvAUS pic.twitter.com/D3CknXknd5
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 25, 2021
Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder however stood firm as they kick-started the recovery. Curbing his natural instincts, Pooran played with great caution to keep the scoreboard ticking. The 25-year-old scored two fours and two sixes in his innings as he got a gritty half century against a star studded Australian bowling attack.
Pooran and Jason Holder put 93 runs for the sixth wicket partnership, before the former West Indian captain was dismissed shortly after his fifty. The Punjab Kings wicketkeeper- batsman however held the fort as he got West Indies over the line with no further loss of wickets.
Pooran ended with 59* off 75 balls, and was rightfully adjusted man of the match for his gritty, winning knock against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Riley Meredith.
