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Oval Invincibles continued to prove themselves invincible as they won third consecutive The Hundred title with a 26-run win over Trent Rockets at Lord’s, London on August 31. After Will Jacks' half-century and Jordan Cox's valuable contribution to propel Oval Invincibles to 168/5, the bowlers tightened the screws early on and even a 38-ball 64 from Marcus Stoinis prevented the Trent Rockets from lift-off.
Jacks, Cox take Invincibles to fighting total
Sam Billings won the toss and opted to bat first. Jacks kicked off the final with a boundary. Tawanda Muyeye hit three fours before falling to Dillion Pennington for a 10-ball 15. Jacks and Jordan Cox dominated the proceedings. Jacks hit a six off Rehan Ahmed to reach his fifty from 32 balls. But, the young leggie made a comeback with Cox's wicket. He scored 40 runs from 28 balls. On the 85th ball, Stoinis got the better of Jacks who scored 72 runs from 41 balls, featuring seven fours and two sixes. In the slog overs, Sam Curran and Donovan Ferreira made valuable contributions as Oval Invincibles posted 168/5.
Poor start to run chase
In the run chase, Tom Banton found two boundaries off first five balls from Jason Behrendorff. But, Saqib Mahmood kept Banton and Joe Root quiet. Adam Zampa applied pressure with dot balls as well. The required run rate went up and leg-spinner Nathan Sowter got the better of Root. He continued and dismissed Rehan, Banton as well.
Stoinis’ knock enough to revive run chase
Stoinis took charge of the run chase and did the heavy lifting. David Willey was looking to attack but the skipper became Zampa's only wicket of the evening. George Linde could not make an impact either and got caught trying to hit Tom Curran's short ball over the ropes. Tom took a beating as he was hit for three sixes, including two off Stoinis' bat. But, Rockets needed 48 runs off last 15 balls. Mahmood returned and Ross Whiteley was run out in order to get Stoinis on strike. In the penultimate over, Stoinis reached his fifty from 32 balls. But, the victory was out of reach. On the final ball, he got out lbw for a 38-ball 68 as Oval Invincibles celebrated their 26-run win.
Sowter becomes Invincibles’ hero
Sowter was adjudged ‘Hero of the match’ for his three-wicket spell to keep Trent Rockets grounded.
“Obviously to play in this team is incredible. Gave me so many opportunities to do well. Tonight was my night. Very happy. The last few games have been given the reins to lead the spin attack. Got the result again, that is the best thing. Everyone in this team has come together from far and wide. Have embraced each other,” the pacer said in the post-match presentation.
Invincibles' Jordan was named the 'Player of the tournament' for scoring 367 runs from nine innings at an average of 61.61 and strike rate of 173.93, including three fifties.
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