In a highly anticipated match at The Oval, the Oval Invincibles secured a commanding six-wicket victory over Southern Brave in the men’s Hundred competition. This win allowed them to break the tie at the top of the standings, comfortably chasing down a target of 119 with 15 balls remaining.
Southern Brave, having been sent in to bat, struggled early on, with only their captain James Vince making a significant impact. Vince’s innings of 52 from 39 balls stood out, especially as his team faltered to 31-4. He managed to form a crucial partnership with Kieron Pollard, adding 58 runs for the fifth wicket. However, both batsmen were dismissed in quick succession—Vince falling to Tom Curran and Pollard to Sam Curran—resulting in the Brave’s score-settling at a modest 118-8 after their allotted 100 balls.
In response, the Invincibles started their innings with flair. Opener Will Jacks hit a six off the first ball, but his stay was short-lived as he was caught by Vince just two balls later off Craig Overton. Dawid Malan's slow 14 from 31 balls provided little momentum, leading to his dismissal and bringing Sam Curran to the crease. Curran, along with Jordan Cox, put together a vital partnership of 54 runs. Curran’s explosive 35 off 18 balls, including five sixes, was a highlight before he was caught by Tymal Mills at fine leg.
Although the Invincibles' skipper, Sam Billings, was dismissed by Mills shortly after, Cox remained unbeaten with a composed 46 from 29 balls. The match was sealed in style when Donovan Ferreira smashed Akeal Hosein for a six, clinching the victory for the Oval Invincibles.