Oval Invincibles’ quest for a third successive Hundred title began with a crushing six-wicket victory over London Spirit at Lord’s.
Spirit were skittled for 80 in 94 balls – the second-lowest score in men’s Hundred history – as David Warner (9) and Kane Williamson (9) endured torrid tournament debuts.
A masterclass from spinner Rashid Khan (3-11) on his Invincibles debut, coupled with deceptive slower balls from Sam Curran (3-18), did the damage for the back-to-back defending champions, who were set just 81 for an opening-night win.
Invincibles ticked along at a run a ball and were 30 runs from victory by the time openers Will Jacks (24 off 24) and Tawanda Muyeye (18 off 20) had both fallen to the impressive Liam Dawson (2-9 from 20 deliveries).
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London Spirit’s David Warner is caught in the deep by Oval Invincibles’ Will Jacks.
Dan Worrall bowled Jordan Cox and Ashton Turner removed Sam Curran but not even that, or a fox briefly roaming the outfield, could delay an inevitable Invincibles victory.
It was left to Donovan Ferreira to seal victory with the 31 deliveries remaining with the only six of a forgettable contest.
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Play between the London Spirit and Oval Invincibles was halted as a fox somehow found its way onto the Lord’s pitch.
Billings bemused by Spirit’s batting
Invincibles skipper Billings adds on Spirit’s 80 all out:
“I was surprised that after losing a few wickets they didn’t try to get 130, 140 as we know chasing can be hard at Lord’s.
“They just kept on coming when sometimes you need a bit of batsmanship and being smart. Plus, we kept taking wickets.
“It is about setting up a platform to be able to explode. And I thought our batters played nicely before looking to finish it with 30 balls left.”
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Oval Invincibles’ Sam Curran took two wickets, bowling at just 47mph.
What’s next?
Invincibles will play Manchester Originals on Saturday at The Kia Oval (11am), with Spirit next in action later the same day as they head to Cardiff to take on Welsh Fire (2.30pm).
Wednesday’s Hundred double header is between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at Emirates Old Trafford (women’s match at 3pm, men’s at 6.30pm)
Watch every match from The Hundred live on Sky Sports Cricket up to and including the finals at Lord’s on Sunday August 31.
