[Watch] Nicholas Pooran smashes magical 33-ball 66 to help NORS pull off miraculous win in Hundred 2024 clash
West Indian batter Nicholas Pooran smashed a sensational 66* off 33 deliveries to help the Northern Superchargers (NORS) pull off a thrilling win over the Manchester Originals (MCR) on August 11. Chasing a massive 153 for victory in their 100 deliveries, NORS were going nowhere with their reply at 29/2 after 36 balls.
However, Pooran entered the crease and the sixes began to flow as he added a game-changing 56-run partnership off 32 balls with skipper Harry Brook. The West Indian kept the momentum intact despite losing Brook, adding an unbeaten 71 off 29 deliveries to seal a seven-wicket victory.
Pooran's swashbuckling knock included two boundaries and eight maximums, including 22 runs off the penultimate 5-ball over from ace pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi.
He shared the video of his brilliant innings on his Instagram handle:
"Definitely the best I’ve hit a cricket ball,smashing it infront a pack old Trafford crowd was definitely surreal moment. Brilliant fight from the men last night, all to play for now on Tuesday," posted Pooran.
Pooran has been in incredible batting form throughout the tournament, scoring 227 runs at an average of 45.40 and a strike rate of 150.33 in seven outings.
Meanwhile, the win took NORS to second on the points table with 11 points in eight games.
"You got to peak at the right time, hope we are getting there at the right time" - Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran hoped the side's latest win could catapult them to peaking at the right time of the 2024 Hundred Season.
After starting their campaign with a defeat in the opener, NORS have won four out of their last six matches with one No-Result. During his breathtaking knock, the southpaw smashed a 113 Metre six off pacer Scott Currie, much to the delight of his teammates.
At the post-match presentation, Pooran said:
"It was one of my better innings, it's a new format, but happy that I could contribute. [on the 113m six] I was surprised, that ball went up so high. I am happy that I could get the win, hopefully we can get this result again. You got to peak at the right time, hope we are getting there at the right time."
The win was crucial for NORS to keep their playoff destiny in their hands as they take on the London Spirit in their final group stage outing at Leeds on August 13.
A win in that game will confirm them a spot in the Hundred 2024 playoffs.