Sunday, August 4, at the Lord’s, saw London Spirit and Oval Invincibles play in The Hundred 2024, and Sam Curran was in scorching form. The Northampton native’s outstanding all-around performance enabled Sam Billings’ team to win by a comfortable margin of thirty runs and go up to the top of the points standings.
Opening batsman Dawid Malan made a respectable 38 from 29 balls in the first innings, but the other top-order players fell short of their ability.
At number five in the batting order, Sam Curran struck a stunning 51 off just 22 balls, smashing six maximums.
With his devastating innings, the Invincibles achieved their target of 147/5 in their allotted 100 deliveries. Liam Dawson, Dan Lawrence, Olly Stone, and Matthew Critchley all took one wicket apiece for London Spirit.
In response, London Spirit had a fast start, but the Invincibles utilised their spinners well, removing the top five hitters in the opposition lineup. Curran was responsible for the remaining damage. On the 87th ball of the innings, he first removed Critchley from the game. After that, the left-arm pacer hit a dot ball and went on to get his first-ever hat-trick in The Hundred 2024, taking out Liam Dawson, Olly Stone, and Andre Russell. Russell’s wicket proved to be the last straw, as four balls later the 26-year-old removed Daniel Worrall to end the innings.
Watch the video below:
Today @CurranSM became the third player to take a hattrick in the men’s hundred. Was thrilled to be on commentary on BBC Two when it happened. What a player
pic.twitter.com/qYquILjgPa
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) August 4, 2024
With just 95 balls remaining in their innings, London Spirit was knocked out for 117. Curran finished with astounding 5/16 in 20 balls, bowling an astounding 11 dots. His outstanding all-around performance earned him the rightful title of Player of the Match.
Also Read: Superchargers lead by Brook win three straight while the Originals falter in the chase
In their four games thus far, the Invincibles have won three and lost one. With one victory and three defeats under their belt, London Spirit is presently mired at No. 7 in the standings.
India
