(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Sam Curran Shines as Oval Invincibles Beat Southern Brave in The Hundred 2025
Oval Invincibles extended their lead at the top of The Hundred Men’s 2025 table after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl.
All-rounder Sam Curran produced a standout performance, taking 3-21 with the ball before guiding his side home with an unbeaten 50 off 32 balls. He was well supported by Jordan Cox, who continued his fine form with a classy 56 from 37 deliveries.
The Hundred Men’s 2025 – Points Table (Updated)
| Team | Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oval Invincibles | 5 | 4 | 1 | 16 |
| Trent Rockets | 4 | 3 | 1 | 12 |
| Northern Superchargers | 5 | 3 | 2 | 12 |
| Southern Brave | 5 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Manchester Originals | 5 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Birmingham Phoenix | 5 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| London Spirit | 5 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Welsh Fire | 4 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
Match Analysis
Batting first, Southern Brave struggled to 133 all out in 98 balls. Early breakthroughs from Jason Behrendorff and Tom Curran left the hosts reeling, before Rashid Khan (3-20) produced a brilliant spell to tighten New Zealand’s grip on the match.
Only Hilton Cartwright (42 off 30) offered resistance, but wickets kept tumbling. Sam Curran’s yorker to dismiss Cartwright was the highlight of the innings, and he later removed Jofra Archer before a sharp run-out ended the Brave’s innings.
Chasing 134, the Invincibles lost two early wickets, but Cox and Curran’s 101-run stand steadied the innings. Although Cox fell late, skipper Sam Billings hit quick boundaries to finish the job with 11 balls to spare.
Match Summary
Southern Brave: 133 all out (98 balls)
Oval Invincibles: 134/3 (89 balls)
Result: Oval Invincibles won by 7 wickets
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after being named Meerkat Match Hero, Curran said:
“It was a really big win. The table is very tight and we knew this was an important game. Playing alongside this group of guys is special.”
On his partnership with Cox, Curran added:
“He’s incredible. The way he’s striking the ball is clean and skilful. Our stand took the pressure off and helped us control the chase.”
This result strengthens Oval Invincibles’ title defence and leaves Southern Brave facing a third consecutive defeat in the competition.
