Sam Curran Shines as Oval Invincibles Secure Thrilling Victory Over Manchester Originals

 


Sam Curran Shines as Oval Invincibles Secure Thrilling Victory Over Manchester Originals

Oval Invincibles edged out Manchester Originals in a nail-biting encounter at Old Trafford, clinching a dramatic three-run victory in The Hundred men's competition, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by Sam Curran.

Batting first, the Invincibles posted a challenging total of 164-8 from their 100 balls, largely due to Curran's explosive innings of 68 from 38 balls, which included six towering sixes. Curran's blitzkrieg with the bat set the stage for a competitive total, despite some disciplined bowling from the Originals, with Sikandar Raza standing out with figures of 2-17.

In response, Manchester Originals appeared to be in control, propelled by a solid opening stand. Opener Matty Hurst continued his fine form, scoring a brisk 50 from 29 balls, well-supported by skipper Phil Salt. Their partnership took the Originals to a strong position at 89-0, but a middle-order collapse reminiscent of their previous game against Northern Superchargers saw them falter once again.

Big-hitting efforts from Paul Walter and Jamie Overton brought the Originals back into contention, but it was Curran's heroics with the ball that sealed the victory for the Invincibles. Defending seven runs off the last five balls, Curran dismissed Overton with the first ball of the final set and held his nerve to have Usama Mir caught on the boundary when the Originals needed four off the last delivery.

Curran's all-round brilliance saw him finish with figures of 2-16, capping off a match-winning performance that also included crucial contributions with the bat.

This victory marks the Invincibles' fourth win in five matches, putting them second in the table, level on points with leaders Southern Brave. Meanwhile, the Originals' fifth consecutive defeat officially ends their hopes of making the qualifiers, as they failed to capitalize on another promising start.

Scorecard:

  • Oval Invincibles 164-8 (100 balls): S Curran 68 (38); Raza 2-17
  • Manchester Originals 161-7 (100 balls): Hurst 50 (29); S Curran 2-16

With this win, the Invincibles continue to build momentum as they aim for a strong finish in the group stages, while the Originals are left to rue another missed opportunity in a season of near-misses.