The Hundred: Oval Invincibles beat Southern Brave to retain title
The Oval Invincibles have successfully defended their title in The Hundred men's competition, marking a second consecutive victory. They triumphed over the Southern Brave by 17 runs in a thrilling final at Lord's on August 18. Despite a strong start from the Brave, their pursuit of 148 runs faltered as they collapsed from 58-0 to 102-7, allowing the Invincibles to seize control of the match.
How did the game pan out?
The Invincibles managed 147/9 while batting first. Will Jacks scored a fiery 37 at the top while Sam Curran and Jordan Cox scored 25 apiece. Tom Curran chipped in with a quickfire 24 off 11 deliveries. Akeal Hosein (3/34) and Tymal Mills (3/33) jolted the Invincibles, who were placed at 93/2 at one stage. In reply, openers Alex Davies (35) and James Vince (24) added 58 runs before the Invincibles bowlers ignited a collapse. They were hence restricted to 130/7.
Zampa and Mahmood's bowling prowess turn the tide
The Invincibles's victory was marked by standout performances from their bowlers. Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa (2/26) made the initial breakthrough for the team, while fast bowler Saqib Mahmood (3/17) dismantled Brave's middle order with three wickets in seven balls. With 19 wickets at 11.57, Zampa finished as the joint-leading wicket-taker of the season alongside Mills. Mahmood claimed seven wickets in the season at 15.57.
Jacks' all-round performance
Will Jacks, another key player for the Invincibles, dismissed Brave skipper James Vince, who finished as the tournament's highest run-scorer. This wicket bolstered his earlier contribution of 37 runs from just 22 balls. Overall, Jacks finished with 156 runs at a strike rate of 148.57 this year. The tally also includes eight wickets at 12.62. Meanwhile, Vince finished with 424 runs this year at 53.
Mills, Hosein shine for Brave
In a losing cause, Tymal Mills emerged as the standout player for the Brave. The left-arm seamer took three wickets for 33 runs, demonstrating his bowling prowess. He averaged 15.10 this year, having scalped 19 wickets. Meanwhile, his partner-in-crime Hosein finished the competition with 12 wickets at 20.66. The West Indies star also contributed with 92 runs at 18.40.
