The opening round of The Hundred ended with defending champion Oval Invincibles launching its title defence in style.
Sam Billings’ side dismantled London Spirit, bowling it out for 80 despite the presence of Kane Williamson and David Warner. Ashton Turner’s 21 was the top score as Rashid Khan and Sam Curran took three wickets apiece. Will Jacks’ 24 led the chase, completed with six wickets to spare.
James Anderson’s first outing in the competition was less memorable. The 43-year-old went wicketless for 36 runs in his 20 balls as Manchester Originals made 131 against Southern Brave, powered by captain Phil Salt’s 60. Jason Roy (30) and Craig Overton (18*) steered the Brave to a tense one-wicket win, with Tymal Mills’ 3-22—including Salt, Jos Buttler (22) and Heinrich Klaasen (15)—proving decisive.
Welsh Fire’s electric start from Steve Smith (29) and Jonny Bairstow (42) fizzled into a total of 143 against Northern Superchargers. Imad Wasim, Matthew Potts and Adil Rashid shared the wickets before Zak Crawley (67*) and Dawid Malan (41) all but sealed the chase, finished off by Harry Brook’s unbeaten 25.
Trent Rockets eased past Birmingham Phoenix by six wickets. Phoenix collapsed to 26/4 before Liam Livingstone (39), Joe Clarke (29) and Dan Mousley (18*) lifted it to 122. Tom Banton (43) and Rehan Ahmed (25) set up the Rockets’ reply, with Max Holden (22*) completing the job.
Off the field, new ownership groups were a notable presence. The backers of Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants are among those set to take control of franchises from next season.
