In a thrilling top-of-the-table Men’s Hundred clash, the Oval Invincibles emerged victorious, thanks to the outstanding performance of the in-form Jordan Cox, while Sam Curran made his presence felt with both bat and ball.
Curran’s late flourish saw him score 24 runs from just 12 balls, contributing to the Invincibles’ commanding total of 185 for 5. He later showcased his fielding prowess with a superb catch and took a wicket, as the Northern Superchargers found themselves struggling at 23 for 2.
Despite a brilliant innings of 81 runs off 43 balls from Superchargers opener Tom Banton, the team faced a challenging task, needing 40 runs to win when they were at 146 for 3 after 75 balls.
The left-arm seamer, Curran, returned to action and managed to dismiss Banton, caught at deep midwicket by a diving Ross Whiteley, finishing with figures of 2 for 31 from 20 balls. Gus Atkinson played a crucial role, defending 19 runs off the last set of five balls.
The Superchargers concluded their innings at 176 for 8, experiencing their first defeat in four games. Meanwhile, the Invincibles, with Jordan Cox’s unbeaten 73 off 38 as the top scorer, secured their third win in four matches, solidifying their position at the top with seven points.
Heinrich Klaasen, the South African international, provided an entertaining display, smashing six sixes in his quick 46 off 22 for the Invincibles.
Invincibles’ Stronghold: Cox and Curran Lead the Way
The opening partner duo of Jason Roy and Will Jacks faced some initial challenges. Jacks contributed a crisp 40, but he fell victim to Callum Parkinson’s delivery. Klaasen entered the scene when the Invincibles were at 69 for 2 after 44 balls, and despite not hitting a four, he showcased his destructive abilities.
The partnership between Banton and Adam Hose initiated the Superchargers’ turnaround, taking the score to 82 for 2 after 50 balls. Hose played a solid innings, scoring 45, but eventually fell to Nathan Sowter’s leg-spin.
Banton, however, continued his impressive form, reaching his fifty off just 30 balls and even reverse hitting a ball for six over cover off Sowter. The Superchargers seemed to be on a winning path. However, Spencer Johnson made a significant contribution, Saif Zaib was removed, Curran returned to make his mark, and Atkinson’s efforts in the last five balls resulted in the dismissals of Carse and Rashid.
