Men’s Hundred | Tom Curran’s firepower and Saqib Mahmood’s three-fer secure Oval's second trophy win

08/19/2024

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Oval Invincibles won the second title on the trot beating Southern Brave by 17 runs. The Oval side cruised to 147/9 with Will Jacks 37 off and Tom Curran’s cameo of 24 of 11 whereas the Southern Brave middle order collapsed with Saqib Mahmood’s three-fer leading to Oval’s title win.

‌James Vince won the toss and chose to have the Oval side bat first in the final match of The Hundred. The decision initially backfired as Oval openers Will Jacks and Dawid Malan got off to a flying start, reaching 44/0 in five sets. However, Jofra Archer provided the breakthrough for the Brave by dismissing Malan. Tymal Mills then removed Will Jacks on the 37th ball; Jacks scored 37 off 22 deliveries before departing. Jamie Cox and Sam Curran added a crucial 46-run partnership, pushing the Oval score to 92/2 in 65 balls. Yet, a mini-collapse ensued when Akeal Hosein took two quick wickets, dismissing Sam Curran and Sam Billings. The situation worsened as Donovan Ferreira and Jordan Cox were dismissed cheaply, leaving Oval at 108/6 in 80 balls. Despite the continuous fall of wickets, hope remained for Oval. Tom Curran and Tom Lammonby’s 34-run stand towards the end lifted the score to 147/9 in 100 deliveries.

In response, Southern Brave openers James Vince and Alex Davies made a strong start, advancing to 41/0 in six overs. However, Adam Zampa broke the partnership by dismissing Davies on the 43rd ball. With 89 needed off 55, Vince, now paired with Leus du Plooy, faced increased pressure. The introduction of spin proved effective, with Will Jacks dismissing Vince on the 48th over and Nathan Sowter removing James Coles shortly after. The Brave needed a boost with the score at 73 off 40 balls, and Laurie Evans provided it with six and two boundaries in the 14th and 15th overs. Yet, du Plooy's departure on the 72nd ball reintroduced tension, and Kieron Pollard also fell to Saqib Mahmood. With 49 runs needed off 24 deliveries and Evans dismissed shortly after, Oval's chances seemed slim. The final blow came with Chris Jordan’s dismissal by Zampa, leaving Oval needing 45 off 17 balls with seven wickets down. Ultimately, without sufficient firepower, the Invincibles secured victory by 17 runs and claimed the trophy for the second time.

Champions again!

🏆 OVAL INVINCIBLES ARE CHAMPIONS 🏆

They defeat Southern Brave in the Final of #TheHundred Men’s Competition! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ZsVACexsii
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 18, 2024

Lovely bowler

Saqib Mahmood is a lovely bowler. Keep him injury free and he’s another great addition for England
— Craigo (@craigycraigo84) August 18, 2024

Good spell

There are not many franchises around the world who would retain a fast bowler after missing back-to-back seasons through injury

Saqib Mahmood showing why Oval Invincibles kept hold of him with a match-winning spell at Lord's
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) August 18, 2024

Beauty

Saqib Mahmood you beauty 🔥🔥#TheHundred
— Sarit Mohanty (@saritmohanty17) August 18, 2024

Just myth

Tymal Mills ever being good is a myth #TheHundred
— Michael Bates (@MikeB237) August 18, 2024

Goat

Tymal Mills is one of the goated bowlers of the Hundred 😭
— Khabis Insan (@IamUmarJav) August 17, 2024

Back to back

Akeal Hosein has picked up back to back wickets, the spinner has just turned the game, amazing thing is his control and variation of the pace, doesn’t bowl the lose deliveries and that’s why the Caribbean off spinner is rarely hit for the boundaries. What a talent this man is!
— Ali Sajawal (@AliSaja25116369) August 18, 2024

One of the best