Oval Invincibles Clinch Back-to-Back Hundred Titles with 17-Run Win Over Southern Brave

In a thrilling final at Lord’s, the Oval Invincibles secured their second consecutive Hundred title with a commanding 17-run victory over the Southern Brave. The win solidifies their status as the first men’s team to successfully defend The Hundred trophy.

The Brave, chasing a target of 148, started their innings with promise but faltered dramatically as the match progressed. Initially, they were cruising at 58-0, but the game shifted as they collapsed to 102-7, unable to handle the pressure from the Invincibles’ bowlers.

Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa set the tone by claiming the first breakthrough. The real damage, however, was inflicted by fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who dismantled the Brave’s middle-order with a crucial spell of three wickets in just seven balls. Mahmood’s performance was instrumental in stalling the Brave’s momentum.

Key to the Invincibles’ defense was the dismissal of Brave captain James Vince, who had been the tournament’s top run-scorer. Will Jacks, who also contributed significantly with the bat, took Vince’s wicket. Jacks had earlier scored a brisk 37 from 22 balls, anchoring the Invincibles’ innings.

Despite a solid start from the Invincibles, no batsman managed to dominate. Sam Curran and Jordan Cox both made valuable contributions with 25 runs each, and Tom Curran provided a late boost with a quick 24 from 11 balls. Left-arm seamer Tymal Mills led the Brave’s attack with 3-33, but his efforts were not enough to turn the tide.

The Brave’s chase faltered when opener Alex Davies was dismissed by Zampa for 35 from 23 balls. Vince managed 24 runs before being dismissed by Mahmood. Mahmood’s next targets were Leus Du Plooy, who fell for 20, followed by the key wickets of Kieron Pollard and Laurie Evans. These crucial dismissals effectively ended the Brave’s hopes of overhauling the target.

In the final stretch, the Invincibles maintained their composure and successfully managed the remainder of the innings to seal their victory. This win not only crowned them as champions but also underscored their dominance in the competition.

Overall, the Oval Invincibles’ blend of effective batting and disciplined bowling ensured they maintained their grip on The Hundred title, affirming their prowess in the shortest format of the game.