Sam Curran’s Heroics Propel Invincibles to Top of the Table in A Nail-Biting Victory in The Hundred 2024
Sam Curran once again showed his strength by leading the Oval Invincibles to an exciting victory over the Manchester Originals in the final over in The Hundred Men’s Competition 2024 at Emirates Old Trafford.
In another thrilling last-ball encounter between Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals, Sam Curran retained his composure to win the game. The Invincibles win the table after an all-arounder scores the most runs and gives up only three runs in the last five balls.
Key Performers and Match Results
Manchester Originals 161 for 7 (Hurst 50, Curran 2-16, Zampa 2-30) lost to Oval Invincibles 164 for 8 (S Curran 68, Jacks 41) by three runs.
The Invincibles won by a just three runs to take the lead in the table, and the England all-rounder gave up only three runs from the game’s final five deliveries.
After collecting a hat-trick and scoring a half-century against London Spirit in the previous over, Curran is the men’s competition’s man in form. He was also at it in Manchester, where he cleared the ropes six times his route to 68 from 38 balls before his heroics with the ball. The Originals, finalists the previous two years, will not advance to the knockout stage after their defeat.
Two days after scoring his first half-century in the men’s competition, young Originals opener Matthew Hurst blasted 50 from 29 balls to set the hosts up to chase down 164 for 8. The 20-year-old and captain Phil Salt had an opening stand of 89 runs from 54 balls.
Hurst stole the show with a variety of breathtaking strokes to get the home crowd going, but Salt, who has established himself as England’s hard-hitting opener, got off to a quick start.
However, after Hurst was bowled out by Will Jacks in rapid succession, the Originals began to show signs of being prepared to blow another winning position.
Despite a few strong hits from Paul Walter, Wayne Madsen was declared out and Sikandar Raza, his replacement, was quickly trapped in the deep end. Curran began attempting to finish the match, but Jamie Overton hit a six and then edged Curran behind.
Usama Mir could only pick out Tom Lammonby 10 yards inside the leg-side rope after missing a slower ball. Four deliveries remained.
“I felt like we bowled really well with the ball,” Curran stated. I believe that our current success stems only from our self-belief.
“Anyone can volunteer, and it might always be someone else. The Hundred style works well since it keeps you immersed in the action. Using those ten balls, you can squeeze the new batter from one end. We’re happy that we’re winning close games.”
