In this article, we will discuss the thrilling final of The Hundred Men’s Competition, where Oval Invincibles faced off against Southern Brave at Lord’s on August 14, 2024. The match was a showcase of high-stakes cricket, filled with intense moments and standout performances. Oval Invincibles, led by their stellar bowlers and strategic gameplay, managed to defend a modest total of 147, ultimately securing their second consecutive title. Southern Brave, despite a valiant effort in their chase, fell short, leading to a memorable conclusion to the tournament. We will delve into the key moments, player performances, and the strategic decisions that defined this closely contested final.
Saqib Mahmood made a remarkable comeback at Lord’s, showcasing his reverse-swing mastery to lead Oval Invincibles to victory in the Hundred final. As Southern Brave aimed to chase down a target of 148, Mahmood delivered a game-changing spell, dismissing Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans in quick succession. His incredible 3 for 1 in seven balls highlighted his return to form, underlining his importance on one of the biggest stages in English domestic cricket.
The Invincibles, the best team in the tournament, clinched their second consecutive title, emulating the success of their women’s team in 2021-22. Mahmood’s inclusion, despite his two-year struggle with back stress fractures, was a testament to the team’s commitment to building a strong identity.
With only three losses in the previous two seasons, the Invincibles are a testament to the success of Coach Tom Moody and captain Sam Billings in building a team that has the best balance in the league.
Zampa’s pivotal breakthrough came when he bowled Alex Davies with a googly after a strong Powerplay start. Will Jacks, who had earlier scored a vital 37 off 22 balls, celebrated wildly after dismissing James Vince, the season’s top scorer. However, Southern Brave, still in the game with 53 needed off 30 balls, saw their hopes dashed when Mahmood’s reverse swing dismissed du Plooy, Pollard, and Evans, leaving the chase in tatters.
As Australia prepares for their September tour with T20Is and ODIs against England, Mahmood’s performance will certainly have caught the selectors’ attention.
Despite being sidelined since March 2023, Mahmood’s display reminded everyone of his potential. Notably, he wouldn’t have played in the final if Spencer Johnson had been available, but he proved his worth, rekindling memories of his best form.
Chris Jordan, who played a crucial role in Saturday’s eliminator, was Southern Brave’s last hope. But when Zampa, who ended the season as the joint-highest wicket-taker with 19, bowled Jordan out, the Invincibles’ victory was sealed.
The team, known for their dramatic comeback against Manchester Originals in the previous year’s final, started more steadily this time, thanks to Jacks’ explosive start. He raced to 31 off 14 balls, hitting early sixes off Jofra Archer, Craig Overton, and Akeal Hosein, although he was lucky to survive a dropped catch by Pollard at long-on.
Archer, returning to Lord’s for the first time since his Test debut during the 2019 Ashes, was sharp with the new ball, dismissing Malan for 7 and then seeing Jacks bowled by Tymal Mills’ full toss.
Sam Curran and Jordan Cox rebuilt the innings with a 46-run partnership, but Hosein’s spell triggered a collapse, with Curran, Billings, and Ferreira falling in quick succession. Despite these setbacks, Tom Curran and Tom Lammonby added crucial runs to set a target of 147, which proved just enough to secure the title.
Oval Invincibles (Men) – 147/7 (100/100 balls)
Southern Brave (Men) – 130/8 (100/100 balls)
Result – Invincibles won by 17 runs
Player of the match – Saqib Mahmood
Saqib Mahmood
Oval Invincibles | Will Jacks, Dawid Malan, Sam Curran, Jordan Cox, Sam Billings, Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Tom Lammonby, Nathan Sowter, Adam Zampa, Saqib Mahmood |
Southern Brave | Alex Davies, James Vince, Leus du Plooy, James Coles, Laurie Evans, Kieron Pollard, Chris Jordan, Jofra Archer, Craig Overton, Akeal Hosein, Tymal Mills |
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