Match 1, London, July 23, 2024, 11:00 PM
Birmingham Phoenix
89/10(16.1ov)
Oval Invincibles
93/2(13.4ov)
Oval Invincibles beat Birmingham Phoenix by 8 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Adam Zampa
Commentry
Right then, that is it from this one-sider affair where Oval Invincibles started their title defense with a fine win while Birmingham Phoenix needs a lot of work to do in their upcoming games. The action continues in The Hundred 2024 on 24th July, Wednesday. It will be the Southern Brave Women taking on the London Spirit Women at 7.15 pm IST (1.45 pm GMT). Then the same two teams will go up against each other in the Men's competition. That game will begin at 11 pm IST (5.30 pm GMT), but as you know, you can join us early for all the build-up for both matches, Until then, cheers and goodbye!
Sam Billings, the victorious skipper of Oval Invincibles is up for a chat. He says that he was surprised when Moeen Ali decided to bat first. Adds that they wanted to bowl and found a little bit of moisture underneath and the Surrey team also likes to chase here. Tells that they have struggled with a few injuries but Saqib Mahmood was fantastic on his return and he will be key for them. Praises Zampa and says that it is really hard for batters to pick especially on a wicket like this. Mentions that it will be a straight swap between Mohammad Amir and Spencer Johnson which is a shame as Amir showed his qualities in this game.
Adam Zampa is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his amazing spell with the ball. He says that it is nice to start with a win, especially at home. Adds that he enjoys bowling here and tried to attack the stumps which worked. Mentions that they had a chat about what they did last year, and what works on this wicket, they have a lot of experience and they are a confident bunch. Says that he loves playing in the Hundred and the game can change with a few tactical changes and the innings is also shot which he likes about it. Ends by saying that he loves playing in this stadium and the fans are great here.
Presentation Time...
Birmingham Phoenix elected to bat first which was an interesting decision and it backfired massively as they were four down in no time. The only positive for them was Benny Howell who showed his range of shots but the others could not really support him that much. Tim Southee managed to get an early breakthrough and he picked up the second wicket too, but they just did not have enough runs on the board to defend it.
A thumping win for Oval Invincibles to begin their campaign! It was never in doubt after the bowling performance in the first innings. Courtesy of Mohammad Amir, Saqib Mahmood, and Adam Zampa they dismissed the Phoenix for a low score and their batters managed to chase it down easily. They did lose two wickets but they managed to score the runs quickly. So, Oval Invincibles Men and Women have done the double over Birmingham Phoenix on the opening night of The Hundred 2024.
In over# 14
4
0
1
1wd
1
Dan Mousley 7/0(0.4)
69
4
FOUR! Sam Billings fittingly hits the winning runs! Dan Mousley drags his length back, on middle, Sam Billings rocks back and pulls it away nicely towards the deep square leg for a boundary. Oval Invincibles win by 8 wickets!
68
.
Fires this one full, on middle, Sam Billings tucks it to short mid-wicket, the fielder fumbles but no harm done.
67
1
SCORES LEVEL! Short again and on off, Dawid Malan punches it through covers for one.
67
1wd
Flatter, short and angling down the leg, Dawid Malan misses his flick, the keeper also fails to collect it cleanly. Wided.
66
1
Quicker, short and on leg, Sam Billings flicks it towards deep square leg for a single, he wants the second but is sent back and rightly so.
In over# 13
1
1
0
0
2
Tim Southee 20/2(4)
65
1
Fuller one and outside off, Dawid Malan carves it through point for a run. Just 4 runs needed to win now.
64
1
Hard length and on middle, Sam Billings runs it down to third man for a single.
63
.
Bangs this short again, on off, Sam Billings gets hurried and mistimes his pull towards short mid-wicket.
62
.
Back of a length and on middle, Sam Billings pats it in front of short mid-wicket. Oval Invincibles just one big hit away from the win now.
61
2
Short of a length and on off, Sam Billings heaves it away towards deep mid-wicket where a fumble allows the second run easily.
In over# 12
1
4
6
4
0
Tom Helm 22/0(3)