The Hundred Men's Competition, Old Trafford
Oval Invincibles: 164-8 (100 balls): S Curran 68 (38); Raza 2-17
Manchester Originals: 161-7 (100 balls): Hurst 50 (29); S Curran 2-16
Invincibles won by three runs
Sam Curran once again proved to be the hero for Oval Invincibles, leading them to a thrilling three-run victory over Manchester Originals at Old Trafford.
Curran, an all-rounder for England, blasted six sixes in his 68 off 38 balls, then defended seven runs in the final five balls to clinch the win. He dismissed Jamie Overton on the first ball of the last five, and with four runs needed off the final delivery, he had Usama Mir caught at the boundary.
Manchester Originals, needing 165 to win, started strongly with opener Matty Hurst scoring another half-century in partnership with captain Phil Salt, bringing them to 89-0. However, they faltered mid-innings, just as they had against Northern Superchargers in their previous game. Despite powerful hitting from Paul Walter and Overton, Curran's composed bowling ensured the Originals suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, ending their hopes of reaching the qualifier.
Meanwhile, this victory marks Invincibles' fourth win in five matches, positioning them second in the table, tied on points with the leaders, Southern Brave.
Key Highlights:
- Will Jacks provided a strong start for Invincibles, scoring 41 off 20 balls with four fours and three sixes.
- Originals' spinners Mir and Sikandar Raza bowled effectively, taking a combined 4-43 from 40 balls. The other 60 balls in the Invincibles' innings yielded 121 runs.
- Adam Zampa took 2-30 for Invincibles and is now the leading wicket-taker in the men’s competition with 12 wickets, one ahead of Curran.
- Curran is also third in the tournament for most runs, accumulating 141 in four innings.
- With 15 balls left in the Originals' chase, Wayne Madsen was retired out after scoring 15 from 14 balls, replaced by Raza, who was dismissed on his second ball.