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Adil Rashid’s brilliant bowling helped Northern Superchargers secure a 36-run win over Birmingham Phoenix at Headingley on Friday, taking them to the top of the men’s Hundred table.
Batting first, the Superchargers posted 193 for 5, the highest total in the men’s competition since 2023. Dawid Malan led the way with 58, while Zak Crawley smashed 45 in a rapid 67-run opening stand. Harry Brook added quick runs at the end, scoring 31 from just 14 balls to push the total beyond Phoenix’s reach.
In reply, Phoenix struggled early, losing three wickets in the powerplay, with Matthew Potts striking twice in his spell of 3 for 26. Jacob Bethell (48) and Liam Livingstone (46) fought back with an explosive 80-run stand from 42 balls, briefly giving Phoenix hope.
However, Rashid turned the game, removing Bethell with a sharp caught-and-bowled before dismissing Livingstone to finish with 2 for 26. Tom Lawes and Jacob Duffy also chipped in with two wickets each, restricting Phoenix to 157 for 9.
Rashid was named the Meerkat Match Hero for his match-winning spell.
“I thought we played exceptionally well,” Rashid said after the game.
“We put a great score on the board, which allowed us bowlers to go out there and attack. I know their batters are going to come hard at me, so I need to be unpredictable and mix it up. You’re always learning every day, and hopefully I’ll keep learning until the day comes when I hang up the boots,” he added.
The win means Harry Brook’s Superchargers now have three victories from four games, cementing their position as one of the strongest teams in this year’s tournament.
