Electing to bat, the two-time reigning champions unleashed a batting blitz, led by Will Jacks’ explosive 72 off 41 balls – the highest individual score in a men’s final – to post 168-5 from their 100 balls.
Set a joint-record target of 169 for glory, the Rockets saw their hopes of clinching a second Hundred title crumble at the hands of Nathan Sowter.
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The spinner tore through the top order, claiming the wickets of Joe Root, Rehan Ahmed, and Tom Banton in a game-changing six-ball spell.
And after a razor-sharp stumping from Sam Billings brought David Willey’s promising innings to an abrupt halt, Sowter took a fine catch in the deep to remove George Linde as the Rockets were left needing 81 runs from the final 30 balls.
Marcus Stoinis (64 off 38) and Ross Whiteley launched three sixes in four balls in a late Rockets stand of resistance, but Saqib Mahmood brilliantly ran Whiteley out to snuff out any hopes of a comeback before claiming the wicket of Stoinis with the final ball to seal Invincibles’ place in the history books.
Jacks inspires Invincibles to Hundred three-peat
The Invincibles bucked the trend of bowling first at Lord’s after winning the toss and laid down the gauntlet to the Rockets, with 31 runs on the board by the time opener Tawanda Muyeye nicked behind off Dillon Pennington’s first delivery.
Jacks’ 32-ball fifty, sealed by a monster 91m six, and a handy knock from Jordan Cox (40 off 28 balls) steadied the Invincibles’ ship with what proved to be a match-winning 87-run partnership.
Cox nicked behind off Ahmed and then Jacks, after punishing Willey with back-to-back boundaries, fell for 72 to substitute fielder Calvin Harrison off the bowling of Stoinis (2-40).
Ferreira and Curran picked up the baton, powering the Invincibles to 168-5 – the joint-highest total in a Hundred final.
In reply, the Rockets faltered early as Sowter, stepping in for Rashid Khan, ripped through the top order, claiming the wickets of Root (10), Ahmed (0), and Banton (23) with six devastating balls.
Despite Stoinis’ late fireworks, the Invincibles restricted the Rockets to 142-8 from their 100 balls to cruise to a third straight title.
Invincibles’ most pleasing year yet
Invincibles captain Sam Billings on his side’s threepeat:
“It is incredible, very special, a brilliant group. We have kept that consistency over three to five years and that has shown in the performances. It has probably been the most pleasing year.
“We have dominated and put our foot down so I am very proud of everyone involved. Our support staff allows us to perform on the pitch.
“Everyone has contributed to our success and that’s what great sides do, while I have learnt a huge amount from [head coach] Tom Moody.
“He builds cultures and we learn every day from a guy like that, his aura, how he controls a room and how he keeps us on our toes. Only a few coaches can do that.”
‘Tonight was my night’
Meerkat Match Hero Nathan Sowter (3-25 off 20 balls):
“To play in this team is incredible, tonight was my night. I’m very happy. The last few games I’ve been given rein to lead the spin attack.
“Moods has been clear with me, I’ve done what he asked. Everyone has come together from far and wide. Have fun together, incredible group to be part of.”
