Oval Invincibles Clinch Second Consecutive Hundred Title

In a thrilling finale at Lord’s, the Oval Invincibles secured their second consecutive title in The Hundred by defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs. 

After being set a target of 148, Southern Brave began their chase confidently but faltered dramatically, collapsing from a strong 58-0 to a shaky 102-7, as the Invincibles tightened their grip on the match.

The turning point came when Australia’s leg-spinner Adam Zampa broke through Southern Brave’s opening partnership. This was followed by a devastating spell from fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who dismantled the middle order by taking three wickets in the span of just seven balls.

Key to the Invincibles’ victory was the dismissal of Southern Brave captain James Vince, the tournament’s top run-scorer, who was caught out by Will Jacks. Jacks had earlier set the tone for the Invincibles' innings with a crucial 37 off 22 balls.

Despite no batter for the Invincibles playing a match-defining innings, solid contributions came from Sam Curran and Jordan Cox, who both scored 25, and Tom Curran, who added a quick-fire 24 off 11 balls near the end.

Tymal Mills stood out in Southern Brave’s bowling attack, taking 3-33, but his efforts weren’t enough to change the outcome. 

Southern Brave’s innings took a similar turn when opener Alex Davies, who had scored 35 off 23 balls, was removed by Zampa. Vince managed to add 24, but Mahmood’s brilliant bowling soon claimed the wickets of Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans, halting Brave’s momentum entirely.

The Invincibles then calmly closed out the game, making history as the first men’s team to successfully defend The Hundred trophy.