Oval Invincibles Make Record-Breaking Comeback to Win Men’s Hundred Final
Oval Invincibles achieved an extraordinary turnaround to clinch victory in the men’s Hundred final against Manchester Originals at Lord’s. After a disastrous start that saw them slump to 34-5 in just 36 balls, the Invincibles rallied to post an imposing total of 161-5, thanks to a remarkable unbeaten partnership of 127 runs in 65 balls between Tom Curran (67) and Jimmy Neesham (57). This partnership set a new record for the highest partnership in the history of the men’s Hundred.
In response, Manchester Originals could only manage 147-6 in their allotted 100 balls, falling short by 14 runs. Invincibles’ bowlers put up a spirited performance, with Danny Briggs claiming the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler for just 11 runs. The Curran brothers, Tom and Sam, were instrumental in restricting the Originals’ chase, as they maintained their nerve in the closing overs.
For Manchester Originals, this was their second consecutive defeat in the final, having lost to Trent Rockets in the previous year. Meanwhile, Oval Invincibles celebrated their third Hundred title, following the success of their women’s team in the previous editions of the competition.
The pivotal moment of the match came when Tom Curran reached his half-century in just 26 balls, including a stunning six off Josh Little. He followed it up with an audacious uppercut over point, showcasing his confidence and courage. Neesham also played a vital role, reaching his fifty in just 29 deliveries. The duo’s partnership included six sixes and 11 fours, and it surpassed the unbeaten 124-run partnership set by Dawid Malan and D’Arcy Short in the inaugural season of The Hundred in 2021.
The Invincibles’ innings had started poorly, losing their top order batsmen cheaply. However, the fightback led by Curran and Neesham revived their chances and set a challenging target for the Originals. Manchester Originals’ hopes rested on the shoulders of skipper Jos Buttler, who had starred in their previous match with a stunning innings of 82 runs. However, Buttler’s dismissal, along with the early loss of Laurie Evans, hindered their pursuit of the target.
Phil Salt and Max Holden made valuable contributions, but their efforts fell short in the face of disciplined bowling by the Invincibles. Gus Atkinson, the new addition to the England team, endured a difficult evening with the ball but was well-supported by the Curran brothers in the crunch moments.
Tom Curran, named the Player of the Match, expressed his delight at the team’s victory and praised the remarkable efforts of his teammates throughout the tournament. Invincibles’ captain, Sam Billings, lauded the team’s performance and highlighted the significance of moments like these in a player’s career. He credited Tom Curran for his exceptional contribution in crucial situations.
The men’s Hundred final showcased the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, which has garnered immense popularity in its short existence. Oval Invincibles’ victory adds to their club’s rich history, establishing them as a dominant force in the Hundred format. The tournament has provided a platform for players to showcase their skills and has enthralled cricket fans around the world with its fast-paced and action-packed encounters.
With this triumph, Oval Invincibles have firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Hundred, and cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the next edition of this thrilling tournament.
