As Manchester Originals beat Trent Rockets to boost their chances of reaching The Hundred knockout stages, Phil Salt struck 86 from 32 balls.

He reached his half-century from 20 balls in a blistering performance to start the Originals innings.

Having raced to 112-2 after 45 balls, the Originals slowed considerably after Salt’s dismissal and finished on 181-6.

Despite Tom Kohler-Cadmore’s 64 points, the Rockets fell just short of 171-5.

It moves the Originals up to third, level on points with second-placed Southern Brave and two behind leaders Oval Invincibles.

Rockets drop to fifth but are just two points behind defending champions.

Match Hero Salt: “It was a good wicket and both sides played well. It came down to who held their nerve at the end. It was a good game of cricket.

There have been a lot of top-order batters who have struggled in this competition – maybe it is the ball or pitches, whatever it is. But it’s nice to put my team in good position.

It is important for teams to peak at the right time during tournament play. All teams want to play their best cricket at this stage. This year and last year have always been the same. The only difference is we have Jos [Buttler] this year. “I hope we keep putting one foot in front of the other and make the play-offs.”