Brathwaite’s efforts in vain as Originals lose opener

West Indies all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite hits through the off-side during the inaugural Hundred fixure on Thursday.

LONDON, CMC – Carlos Brathwaite’s top score failed to rescue Manchester Originals, as they lost to Oval Invincibles by nine runs in the opening men’s fixture of the newfangled Hundred here late Thursday.

Chasing 146 at the Oval, Originals came up short despite the former West Indies Twenty20 captain’s 37 from 29 deliveries, which included two fours and a six.

Brathwaite put on 53 off 32 balls with Calvin Harrison whose 23 came from 16 deliveries with three boundaries.

New Zealander Colin Munro had earlier hit 26 off 22 balls with three balls and a four before being dismissed off the 60th delivery of the innings.

Brathwaite, who entered at number six, fell with 19 runs required from five deliveries, holing out to long on off seamer Sam Curran (2-27).

West Indies off-spinner Sunil Narine finished with one for 22 from his 20 deliveries.

Earlier, Narine had made only two batting at number three as Invincibles tallied 145 for eight off their 100 deliveries.

Captain Sam Billings slammed 49 from 30 balls with four fours and two sixes while Tom Curran chipped in with an unbeaten 29 from 18 deliveries down the order.

Brathwaite went wicketless from his 15 deliveries which cost 25 runs.

The Hundred is a franchise tournament developed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, which allows for 100 deliveries per innings – comprising 15 traditional six-ball overs and a 10-ball over.