Will Jacks struck a scintillating 41-ball 72 while spinner Nathan Sowter delivered a spellbinding 3-25 to propel Oval Invincibles to a third successive men’s Hundred title at Lord’s on Sunday night. Their dominant performance against Trent Rockets etched them into history as the first men’s team to complete a hat-trick of crowns.
Invincibles’ Batting Blitz
Electing to bat, the Invincibles unleashed an all-out assault. Jacks’ knock, the highest in a men’s final, powered them to 168-5 – a joint-record high in a Hundred final. Jordan Cox chipped in with a composed 40, and an 87-run partnership between the pair proved decisive. Even after Jacks fell to Marcus Stoinis for 72, Ferreira and Sam Curran ensured the scoreboard pressure remained daunting.
Sowter’s Spell Breaks Rockets’ Backbone
Chasing 169, the Rockets were ambushed by Nathan Sowter, who replaced Rashid Khan in the XI and produced a six-ball masterclass. He dismissed Joe Root, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Banton in quick succession, leaving the Rockets shell-shocked. Sam Billings’ sharp stumping accounted for David Willey, while Sowter also held a superb catch to dismiss George Linde. Despite late fireworks from Stoinis (64 off 38) and Ross Whiteley, Saqib Mahmood’s brilliance – a run-out and a final-ball wicket – sealed Invincibles’ triumph.
We’ve dominated, kept the core together, and over three years everyone has contributed – that’s what great teams do. Sowts encapsulates this group. I’ve learned so much from Tom [Moody]; only a few coaches can hold a room like him.
Match hero Sowter was equally elated: “Tonight was my night. Moods gave me clarity, and everyone here has come together from far and wide. It’s an incredible group to be part of.”
Northern Superchargers Women Stun Brave to Lift First Title
In the women’s final earlier in the day, Northern Superchargers ended Southern Brave’s unbeaten season with a comprehensive seven-wicket victory. Brave, chasing a second title and the first-ever unbeaten campaign in Hundred history, were stopped in their tracks at the home of cricket.
Bowlers Set the Tone
Brave were restricted to 115/6 after Georgia Adams’ side failed to break free against disciplined bowling from Kate Cross (2-23) and Annabel Sutherland (2-23).
Carey and Sutherland Seal Glory
In reply, Superchargers suffered a wobble at 59/4 but were steadied by Nicola Carey (35* off 25) and Annabel Sutherland (28* off 25). The Australian duo put on an unbroken 60-run partnership, Carey surviving a near dismissal when Lauren Bell rattled the bail but it stayed intact. Sutherland fittingly struck the winning six off Adams to spark wild celebrations.
If you had told me a month ago that we’d be lifting the trophy, I wouldn’t have believed it. Our bowlers won it for us. As an Aussie, playing here has been a blast.
Carey, the Player of the Match in the final, added: “I’ve only been here a short while but it’s been unbelievable. The whole group is amazing.”
Brief Scores: Men’s Final: Oval Invincibles 168-5 (Jacks 72, Cox 40; Stoinis 2-40) beat Trent Rockets 145-9 (Stoinis 64; Sowter 3-25, Mahmood 2-28) by 23 runs. Women’s Final: Southern Brave 115-6 (Dunkley 30; Sutherland 2-23, Cross 2-23) lost to Northern Superchargers 116-3 in 88 balls (Carey 35*, Sutherland 28*, Litchfield 26) by 7 wickets.
