Oval Invincibles secure back-to-back titles with thrilling victory in The Hundred final

Oval Invincibles have retained their title, claiming victory in The Hundred for the second consecutive year with a decisive 17-run win over Southern Brave in the final at Lord’s.

Chasing 148 for victory, Southern Brave started strongly but crumbled from 58-0 to 102-7 as the Invincibles' bowling attack took control. Australia's Adam Zampa sparked the collapse with a crucial breakthrough before fast bowler Saqib Mahmood devastated the Brave middle order, claiming three wickets in just seven balls.

Will Jacks played a pivotal role for the Invincibles, taking the wicket of Brave skipper James Vince, the tournament's leading run-scorer, after contributing a vital 37 from 22 balls at the top of the order. 

While no Invincibles batter managed a big score, valuable contributions from Sam Curran (25), Jordan Cox (25), and a late blitz of 24 from 11 balls by Tom Curran, helped the team reach a competitive total.

Southern Brave's left-arm seamer Tymal Mills was the standout performer with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-33. However, their innings mirrored the Invincibles' approach as they struggled to build partnerships after opener Alex Davies was dismissed by Zampa for 35 from 23 balls.

Despite a promising start, Vince’s departure for 24 and Mahmood's rapid strikes against Leus du Plooy, Kieron Pollard, and Laurie Evans, left Brave reeling. Oval Invincibles then comfortably closed out the match, becoming the first men's team to retain The Hundred trophy.