In a thrilling contest at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, the Oval Invincibles edged out Welsh Fire by 10 runs in the sixth match of The Hundred Men’s Competition. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Welsh Fire restricted the Invincibles to a modest total of 113/9 in their allotted 100 balls. However, the Invincibles’ bowlers rose to the occasion, defending the target successfully to clinch the victory.
Oval Invincibles win by 10 runs as Adam Zampa shines
The Invincibles’ innings began with a mix of caution and aggression. Will Jacks provided a brisk start with a quickfire 25 off 15 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Despite losing Dawid Malan for a duck, the middle order chipped in with valuable contributions. Donovan Ferreira was the standout performer, scoring a vital 30 off 23 balls.
However, Welsh Fire’s bowlers, particularly Jake Ball (3/24) and David Willey (2/23), kept the pressure on, ensuring that the Invincibles couldn’t build a significant partnership. David Payne also contributed with two crucial wickets, finishing with figures of 2/20.
Chasing 114 for victory, Welsh Fire’s innings was marred by regular wickets and disciplined bowling from the Invincibles. Tom Kohler-Cadmore top-scored with 22 off 33 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup struggled to find momentum.
Adam Zampa was the star with the ball for the Invincibles, claiming 3/24 in his 20 balls, including the key wickets of Kohler-Cadmore and Welsh Fire captain Tom Abell. Nathan Sowter also chipped in with two wickets, further denting the Fire’s chase.
Welsh Fire found themselves in trouble early, losing Jonny Bairstow (5) and Joe Clarke (0) cheaply. Despite a brief recovery, they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. David Payne’s late flourish, scoring 28 off 15 balls, gave the Fire a glimmer of hope, but the target proved just out of reach as they finished at 103/8.
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