Oval Invincibles’ quest for a third successive Hundred title began with a crushing six-wicket victory over London Spirit at Lord’s.
Spirit were skittled for 80 in 94 balls – the second-lowest score in men’s Hundred history – as Kane Williamson (9) and David Warner (9) endured torrid tournament debuts.
A masterclass from spinner Rashid Khan (3-11) on his Invincibles debut, coupled with deceptive slower balls from Sam Curran (3-18), did the damage for the back-to-back defending champions, who were set just 81 for an opening-night win.
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London Spirit’s David Warner is caught in the deep by Oval Invincibles’ Will Jacks.
Invincibles ticked along at a run a ball and were 30 runs from victory by the time openers Will Jacks (24 off 24) and Tawanda Muyeye (18 off 20) had both fallen to the impressive Liam Dawson (2-9 from 20 deliveries).
Dan Worrall bowled Jordan Cox and Ashton Turner removed Sam Curran to briefly halt the Invincibles’ procession, but with little to defend on the scoreboard, it was only a matter of time before a towering six from Donovan Ferreira sealed the game – with 31 balls to spare.
More to follow.
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Play between the London Spirit and Oval Invincibles was halted as a fox somehow found its way onto the Lord’s pitch.
What’s next?
Invincibles will play Manchester Originals on Saturday at The Kia Oval (11am), with Spirit next in action later the same day as they head to Cardiff to take on Welsh Fire (2.30pm).
Wednesday’s Hundred double header is between Manchester Originals and Southern Brave at Emirates Old Trafford (women’s match at 3pm, men’s at 6.30pm)
Watch every match from The Hundred live on Sky Sports Cricket up to and including the finals at Lord’s on Sunday August 31.
