Mahmood's magic delivers victory for Oval Invincibles in Hundred final

Southern Brave’s hopes were dashed by Mahmood’s superb bowling, handing the Invincibles their second title

Saqib Mahmood delivered a match-winning performance in the Hundred final on Sunday at Lord’s, leading Oval Invincibles to their second consecutive title with a devastating spell of reverse swing. Mahmood, who had been sidelined by injuries for two years, took 3 for 1 in a crucial seven-ball spell, dismissing Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans. His efforts turned the tide in Southern Brave’s chase of 148, which ended 17 runs short at 130 for 7.

Oval Invincibles, the most consistent team in the competition, secured back-to-back titles in the men's tournament, mirroring their women’s team's achievement from 2021-22. Mahmood’s return to form was a significant factor in their success, with the team having shown faith in him despite his injury struggles. Under the leadership of captain Sam Billings and coach Tom Moody, the Invincibles built their side around a strong core of all-rounders, including Will Jacks and the Curran brothers, giving them a balanced and formidable lineup.

Billings praised Mahmood's game-changing spell, highlighting it as the turning point of the match. He emphasised the importance of team effort and cherished the victory as a memorable achievement for the squad.

Oval Invincibles' success was also bolstered by their potent spin attack, which has been the most effective in the tournament. Adam Zampa, Nathan Sowter, and Will Jacks collectively took 34 wickets this season, with four more added in the final at Lord’s. Zampa made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Alex Davies for 35, and Jacks played a pivotal role by bowling out James Vince, the season's top run-scorer.

Despite a strong start by Southern Brave, who needed 53 runs off 30 balls with seven wickets in hand, Mahmood’s spell derailed their chase. After du Plooy struck Mahmood’s first ball past extra cover for a boundary, Mahmood bowled him with a full and straight delivery. He then dismissed Pollard and Evans in quick succession, leaving Brave's chase in disarray.

Mahmood's performance has likely caught the attention of England’s selectors, especially with an upcoming series against Australia. He has not played for England since March 2023 but looked close to his best in the final. Chris Jordan, who had been instrumental in Southern Brave’s progress to the final, was their last hope, but Zampa bowled him out to secure the victory for the Invincibles.

Earlier, Will Jacks set the tone for the Invincibles with a blistering start, scoring 37 off 22 balls, including sixes off Jofra Archer, Craig Overton, and Akeal Hosein. However, Southern Brave’s bowlers, led by Tymal Mills and Hosein, fought back, reducing the Invincibles to 34 for 5 at one stage. Sam Curran and Jordan Cox added 46 runs to stabilise the innings before another mini-collapse saw the Invincibles lose 4 for 9.

Tom Curran and Tom Lammonby added crucial runs at the end, with Curran’s 24 off 11 balls helping the Invincibles post a competitive total of 147 for 9. In the end, it proved just enough as Southern Brave fell short by 17 runs.

Brief score: Oval Invincibles 147 for 9 (Jacks 37, Mills 3-33, Hosein 3-34) defeated Southern Brave 130 for 7 (Davies 35, Mahmood 3-17) by 17 runs.