Just a week after recording the worst bowling figures in the competition’s history (0-59), Rashid Khan bounced back in style to set up Oval Invincibles’ emphatic win over Southern Brave in the Men’s Hundred at Southampton on Monday.
The Afghan leg-spinner dismantled the Brave with three wickets in just five balls, triggering a collapse that left the hosts reeling. Supported by Sam Curran’s superb 3-21, the Brave were skittled out for 133 in 98 balls.
Cox and Curran seal the chase with ease
Jordan Cox, fresh from his record-breaking 86 against Welsh Fire, delivered another power-packed innings. Coming in at 18/2, he steadied the innings and added 101 runs alongside Sam Curran. Cox struck a fluent half-century, while Curran (50* off 32 balls) remained unbeaten, guiding Invincibles to 134/3 with 11 balls to spare.
Skipper Sam Billings chipped in with a brisk cameo, while Curran fittingly struck the winning runs. The victory propelled Invincibles to the top of the table.
I’m really enjoying it. Turning up to work with mates and coaches who know you—it’s great. We know our strengths and just want to stay positive and keep going well.
Brave collapse after early breakthroughs
Inserted to bat first, Brave endured a horror start, losing both openers inside the Powerplay. Rashid’s magical spell then dismantled the middle order—Jason Roy’s bizarre dismissal off his boot, Michael Bracewell bowled first ball, and James Coles lbw on review. From 44/6, Hilton Cartwright (42) and Jordan Thompson (24) staged a brief fightback, but Brave folded for 133. The Invincibles then romped home comfortably, underlining their all-round superiority.
Brave Women extend unbeaten run with ruthless display
In the women’s fixture earlier, Southern Brave outclassed Oval Invincibles by 89 runs to maintain their perfect record—five wins from five. Openers Maia Bouchier (34) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (26) provided a solid start, while Laura Wolvaardt (36) and Freya Kemp (24 off 11) powered them to 161/6.
Phoebe Franklin was the pick of Invincibles’ bowlers with two wickets, but the Brave’s batting depth proved decisive.
Invincibles collapse in record defeat
Chasing a daunting target, Invincibles crumbled under relentless pressure. Sophie Devine bowled Meg Lanning (2) and dismissed captain Lauren Winfield-Hill (10) to set the tone. Alice Capsey (7) and Paige Scholfield (0) fell cheaply as wickets tumbled.
The Invincibles were bundled out for 72 in just 83 balls—the heaviest defeat in women’s Hundred history. Mady Villiers claimed three wickets, while Amanda-Jade Wellington’s unbeaten 18 was the lone resistance.
Today was exceptional. We’ve spoken a lot about executing plans, and for the bowlers to deliver against world-class players is really pleasing. It’s about taking one game at a time.
Upcoming Fixtures: Trent Rockets host Manchester Originals in a double-header featuring both the women’s and men’s competitions.
