In a nail-biting final at Lord’s with nearly 29,000 spectators witnessing a gripping contest, the Oval Invincibles once again etched their name in The Hundred history books, defeating the Southern Brave by 17 runs to clinch their second consecutive title. The match, a thrilling contest of skill and strategy, showcased the best of the tournament’s talent.

Oval Invincibles enter into a tight contest from the start

The Oval Invincibles, led by captain Sam Billings, opted to bat first after winning the toss. Their innings began with a promising start, but they faced early setbacks. Will Jacks, who had been in excellent form, scored 37 runs off 22 balls, providing a solid foundation. However, the team struggled to maintain momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals.

Key contributions came from Sam Curran and Jordan Cox, both scoring 25 runs, while Tom Curran added a quickfire 24 runs off just 11 balls. The Invincibles ultimately posted a total of 147 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted 100 balls. Tymal Mills was the standout bowler for Southern Brave, claiming three wickets for 33 runs, putting the Brave in a position to chase down the target.

Southern Brave’s faltering chase

Chasing a target of 148, Southern Brave started their innings positively, reaching 58 without loss. However, the momentum quickly shifted as they lost their first wicket, and the collapse began. The Invincibles’ bowlers, particularly Saqib Mahmood and Adam Zampa, wreaked havoc on the Brave’s batting lineup. Mahmood was exceptional, taking three wickets for just 17 runs, dismantling the middle order with his pace and precision.

The critical moment came when Mahmood quickly dismissed Kieron Pollard and Laurie Evans, leaving the Brave struggling at 100 for six. Despite a brief resistance from James Vince, who scored 24 runs, the Brave’s innings fell apart. They finished their chase at 130 runs for seven wickets, unable to recover from the onslaught of the Invincibles’ bowlers.

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Saqib Mahmood’s match-winning performance

Mahmood was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance. His ability to reverse swing the ball and target the stumps proved crucial in turning the match in favour of the Invincibles. Reflecting on his performance, Mahmood expressed his joy at being part of the championship-winning team after missing the previous two seasons due to injuries.

“When we gathered as a team, a lot of the discussions revolved around last year’s victory,” he said, highlighting the team’s determination to defend their title.

Sam Curran’s consistent excellence

Curran, who had an impressive tournament overall, was awarded Player of the Tournament. He finished with 201 runs and 17 wickets, showcasing his all-round capabilities. Curran’s contributions throughout the tournament were instrumental in guiding the Invincibles to their second consecutive title.

The Invincibles’ victory was a testament to their consistent performance throughout the tournament. Their batting depth, bowling prowess, and exceptional fielding proved to be the key factors in their success.

A memorable final

The final of The Hundred 2024 lived up to its billing, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle. The high-quality cricket on display showcased the tournament’s growing popularity and the talent it has to offer. As the curtain falls on another successful edition of The Hundred, cricket fans eagerly await the next chapter in this exciting competition.

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