In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 31st match of The Hundred Men’s Competition held on August 14, 2024, at Nottingham. The clash between Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets was a closely contested encounter, with Trent Rockets emerging victorious by 6 wickets, chasing down the target of 151 with 6 balls to spare. Key performances, particularly by Player of the Match Rovman Powell, played a pivotal role in the Rockets’ successful run chase, making this match a highlight of the tournament.
In the 31st match of The Hundred Men’s Competition on August 14, 2024, at Nottingham, Trent Rockets defeated Oval Invincibles by 6 wickets with 6 balls to spare. The Invincibles posted a total of 150/3, with Dawid Malan scoring an unbeaten 53 off 43 balls. In response, Trent Rockets chased down the target, reaching 151/4 in 94 balls. Rovman Powell was the standout performer, scoring 45 off 27 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Oval Invincibles missing a golden ticket to Lord’s. Despite having one foot in the final, they faltered spectacularly as Trent Rockets, powered by Rovman Powell’s fireworks, launched their way to victory.
Despite the setback, the Invincibles remain strong contenders to head directly to the final as group leaders. However, Birmingham Phoenix has a slim chance to overtake them on net run-rate if they manage to achieve a massive victory over the struggling Manchester Originals on Thursday.
The Phoenix would need to win by a significant margin, either by a 92-run advantage if batting first or by chasing a target with 62 balls to spare.
When Powell joined Tom Alsop at the crease, the Rockets were in a precarious position, needing 95 runs from 52 balls with three wickets down. The duo forged an 80-run partnership in just 32 balls, propelling the Rockets towards the Invincibles’ total of 150.
Powell’s blistering knock featured four massive sixes, including one that sailed 101 meters off Sam Curran’s bowling. Although Curran managed to dismiss Powell with a mistimed drive to long-on, the Rockets only needed 15 runs from the final 10 balls. Alsop and Chris Green then steered the Rockets to victory with six balls remaining.
The contrasting fortunes of the last two Hundred men’s competition winners were on display. While the Rockets, champions in 2022, had already been eliminated after four losses, the Invincibles had been dominant, winning six of their first seven matches. However, in front of 12,000 spectators at Trent Bridge, the gap between the teams seemed minimal.
Batting first on a spin-friendly pitch, Invincibles’ opener Dawid Malan anchored the innings with a steady 53 not out from 43 balls, allowing his teammates to play more aggressively around him. Will Jacks contributed a rapid 30 off 17 balls, helping the Invincibles dominate the powerplay, while Jordan Cox added a valuable 39 off 30 balls in a 71-run partnership with Malan.
Cox was eventually dismissed by Sam Cook, who finished with economical figures of 2 for 23, allowing Donovan Ferreira to take charge in the final overs. Ferreira ignited the scoreboard with a blazing cameo, hammering an unbeaten 27 off just 10 balls like a man possessed.
In response, Saqib Mahmood dismissed Tom Banton early on, regularly hitting speeds of 88mph. A brief recovery followed, led by Alex Hales and Joe Root, but the Invincibles regained control when Hales, on 35, was caught off a mistimed pull, and Root fell to Nathan Sowter, caught by Curran at long-on. At this stage, the Invincibles seemed poised for victory. However, Powell and Alsop turned the tide, showcasing their class and giving the Rockets’ fans a thrilling finish.
Oval Invincibles (Men) – 150/3 (100 balls)
Trent Rockets (Men) -151/4 (94/100 balls)
Result – Rockets won by 6 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)
Player of the match – Rovman Powell
Rovman Powell
Oval Invincibles | Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Jordan Cox, Donovan Ferreira, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tom Lammonby, Gus Atkinson, Saqib Mahmood, Nathan Sowter, Adam Zampa |
Trent Rockets | Tom Banton, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Tom Alsop, Rovman Powell, Chris Green, Imad Wasim, Lewis Gregory, John Turner, Calvin Harrison, Sam Cook |
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