Oval Invincibles Secure Consecutive The Hundred Titles with 17-Run Win Over Southern Brave

Oval Invincibles clinched The Hundred title for the second consecutive year with a commanding 17-run victory over Southern Brave in a gripping final at Lord’s. The Invincibles’ triumph solidifies their status as one of the competition’s dominant forces.

Set a challenging target of 148, Southern Brave started their chase strongly but faltered dramatically, collapsing from a solid 58-0 to a precarious 102-7. The turning point came when Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa struck early, followed by a devastating spell from fast bowler Saqib Mahmood, who dismantled the Brave middle order with three crucial wickets in just seven balls.

Will Jacks played a pivotal role for the Invincibles, scoring 37 from 22 balls and also taking the key wicket of Brave captain James Vince, who had been the tournament's leading run-scorer. Despite a commendable effort from Brave’s bowlers, including Tymal Mills, who took 3-33, the Invincibles' total proved too steep.

In the first innings, Sam Curran and Jordan Cox contributed valuable knocks of 25 runs each, with Tom Curran adding a quickfire 24 from just 11 balls in the closing stages. Despite no batter reaching a big score, these contributions ensured the Invincibles posted a competitive total.

The Brave’s innings never truly recovered after the fall of opener Alex Davies, who was dismissed by Zampa for a solid 35 from 23 balls. Vince, who scored 24, saw his innings curtailed by Mahmood, who also removed Leus du Plooy for 20 and quickly followed up with the wickets of Kieron Pollard and Laurie Evans.

As the Brave's chase faltered, the Invincibles held their nerve to secure a convincing victory and become the first men's team to successfully defend The Hundred title. The win caps off a stellar season for the Invincibles and further cements their place in the annals of The Hundred’s history.