Birmingham Phoenix beat Manchester Originals to secure their place in the Eliminator of The Hundred men’s competition.

In a match reduced to 30 balls per side because of rain at Edgbaston, Phoenix cruised to their modest target of 42 with nine wickets and eight balls to spare.

England Test opener Ben Duckett finished unbeaten on 22, while Jamie Smith was the only Phoenix wicket to fall for 14 from seven balls.

Captain Moeen Ali then finished the game in style with a six to set up an encounter with Southern Brave in Saturday’s Eliminator.

Duckett and Smith batted with impressive fluency despite the rain that continued to fall, in contrast to the Originals who had previously struggled to find any rhythm in the shortened game.

Only Max Holden, with 15, and Phil Salt, with 12, reached double figures, while New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne took 2-8, including opener Matty Hurst from the second ball of the innings, as Phoenix exploited the seam-friendly conditions.

Originals were already out of contention to qualify, but it was must-win for the Phoenix as a defeat would have seen Northern Superchargers overtake them in the table and reach the Eliminator instead.

At the end of the group stage, Oval Invincibles finished top of the table to book their automatic place in the final.