The Oval Invincibles defeated the London Spirit by two runs in a dramatic last-ball thriller at the Kennington Oval on Tuesday night. The Invincibles posted a mammoth total of 189-4 thanks to a blazing unbeaten 46 off 24 balls from Heinrich Klaasen and a fine all-round performance from Sam Curran who put on a quick 35 off 17 balls.
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Klaasen hit a four and 4 sixes in his innings, while Curran smashed 2 fours and 3 sixes. Their innings were supported by a brilliant 68 from opener Will Jacks. He smashed 5 fours and 4 sixes to guide his 42-ball inning.
The Spirit were in the hunt for victory until the final over, but they were denied by a no-ball from Curran. Matt Critchley hit the no-ball for six, but he was unable to score the winning run off the next ball. The win moved the Invincibles to the top of the Men’s Hundred table, while the Spirit remain in seventh place.
Klaasen’s blitzkrieg
Klaasen was the star of the show for the Invincibles, as he took the game away from the Spirit with his power-hitting. He came in at number three and immediately started to take on the bowling. He hit three sixes in his first over, and he was never out of control.
Klaasen’s innings was a timely one for the Invincibles, who were well-supported by a brilliant 68 from opener Will Jacks early in the innings. Whereas co-opener Jason Roy was dismissed by Daryl Mitchell for 23.
Klaasen’s innings ensured that the Invincibles posted a big total. The batter was unbeaten at 46 to ensure his team reaches a mammoth total of 189 for 4.
Curran’s all-round show
Curran also played a key role in the Invincibles’ victory. His all-round performance proved to be a catalyst for the Invincibles. He scored 35 off 17 balls at the end of the innings, and he also helped with the ball by taking the key scalp of Zak Crawley.
Curran’s first wicket led to an early fall of the Spirit inning as they were down in a high-scoring affair. Curran’s all-round performance was a reminder of his quality. He is a key player for the Invincibles, and he will be hoping to continue his good form in the coming weeks.
Spirit’s late collapse
The Spirit were in the hunt for victory until the final over, but they were denied by a no-ball from Curran.
The Spirit needed 12 runs off the final over, and they were well on track when Critchley hit the no-ball for six. But he was unable to score the winning run off the next ball, and the Invincibles held on for a narrow victory.
The Spirit’s late collapse was a disappointing end to their innings. They had been well-placed at the start of the over, but they were unable to get over the line. The defeat leaves the Spirit in seventh place in the Men’s Hundred table. They will need to improve their batting if they want to challenge for the title.
