In a thrilling last-ball showdown, Oval Invincibles emerged victorious over London Spirit to secure a two-run win, propelling them to the top of the Men’s Hundred table.
Spirit’s Matt Critchley nearly orchestrated a stunning comeback with an unbeaten 32 off 13 balls. However, a no-ball from Sam Curran, which should have concluded the game, provided Spirit with an opportunity for a second try, requiring three runs. Unfortunately for the hosts, tailender Chris Wood couldn’t make contact. Despite their efforts, Spirit fell short in their chase of 189, thanks in part to Will Jacks‘ standout performance. Jacks not only hammered an impressive 68 off 42 balls but also contributed with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs.
Heinrich Klaasen added to Invincibles’ impressive tally with an unbeaten 46, while Curran’s explosive 35 further bolstered their score, despite Daryl Mitchell’s commendable performance of taking 2 wickets for 16 runs from 10 balls.
During Spirit’s pursuit, Adam Rossington played a crucial role, launching four massive sixes on his way to a score of 61 off 32 balls.
At the outset of the match, Invincibles faced a challenging period, failing to score from five balls. However, Jason Roy and Jacks regained their rhythm, constructing a partnership of 79 runs. The partnership was disrupted by Mitchell, who dismissed Roy on his first ball, followed by Jacks being caught deep by Zak Crawley.
Building on Jacks’ momentum, Klaasen took the reins, smashing four sixes and propelling Invincibles to a strong finish. Curran’s aggressive approach added to the team’s total before he was caught on the boundary by Mitchell.
Spirit’s Resilient Chase
In their pursuit of 189, Spirit’s Crawley and Rossington set the stage with an opening partnership of 58 runs during the powerplay. Rossington reached his half-century off 22 balls. While Crawley initially struggled with his timing, the partnership continued to flourish, reducing the required runs to 99 off 55 balls.
Invincibles secured their breakthrough as Curran bowled Crawley off the thigh pad, and Jacks swiftly claimed two wickets, including the pivotal dismissal of Rossington.
As Spirit’s chase encountered setbacks, with Matthew Wade departing for 19 runs off 15 balls and three wickets falling in eight balls, Critchley stepped up. He smashed Curran for consecutive sixes before Wood struck Chappell for four, narrowing Spirit’s target to 17 runs off Curran’s final five deliveries.
Critchley’s towering hit sailed into the crowd, and he appeared to replicate the feat on the next ball, but Ross Whiteley somehow managed to keep the ball in play. Curran’s unfortunate no-ball granted Spirit one last chance, yet Wood’s efforts proved insufficient, allowing Invincibles to secure the victory.
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