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Defending champions Oval Invincibles made a statement in The Hundred 2024 opener with a dominating eight-wicket win with 31 balls to spare against Moeen Ali's Birmingham Phoenix. Oval Invincibles bowlers wreaked havoc and bowled out Birmingham Phoenix for 89 from 81 balls. The target was chased down by Oval Invincibles despite early wickets.
Moeen won the toss and opted to bat first. Saqib Mahmood struck with the first ball. He followed it up with the wicket of Liam Livingstone. Mohammad Amir joined party and dismissed Dan Mousely, Moeen for single-digit scores. After 10/4, Jacob Bethell and Benny Howell did some damage control. Off-spinner Will Jacks was introduced into the attack and he broke the partnership. Bethell departed for a 20-ball 22.
Mahmood returned but was taken on by Howell clearing the fence twice. Jacks dismissed Howell as well. He scored 24 runs from 13 balls. Then Adam Zampa struck off consecutive deliveries to dismiss Rishi Patel (25) and Adam Milne. Zampa and Nathan Sowter wrapped up the innings as Birmingham Phoenix posted a non-threatening target of 90 in the season opener.
In the run chase, Jacks lost his wicket to Tim Southee. He was caught by Moeen at slip position. Tawanda Muyeye took on Milne and hit a few boundaries before falling to Southee for a 14-ball 23. Dawid Malan (24) and skipper Sam Billings (31) ensured Oval Invincibles got over the line with 31 balls to spare. They shared an unbeaten 62-run partnership for the third wicket.
Zampa named ‘Player of the match’
Zampa was adjudged 'Player of the match' for his economical three-fer. The Australian leg-spinner was happy to get wickets on a wicket that did not offer much turn.
“Good feeling. Not much of a spinning wicket. It skids on a little. Tried to attack the sticks and it worked. Little bit of chat what we did well last year. What works here. We have lot of players who have got lot of experience. Really enjoyable competition. Couple of tactical differences from the T20s. When the weather is perfect, it it is a great place to play,” he said after the match.
Oval Invincibles win The Women’s Hundred opener
In The Hundred Women's 2024 opener, Oval Invincibles won as well. The Lauren Winfield-Hill-led side beat Birmingham Phoenix by 45 runs. Paige Scholfield starred with a 40-ball 71. She was supported by Alice Capsey who scored 52 runs from 40 balls. Chasing a target of 151, Birmingham Phoenix lost by 45 runs as they were bowled out for 105 from 92 balls. Amanda-Jade Wellington was the pick of the bowlers with a three-fer.
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