The 2025 Men’s Hundred tournament began with Oval Invincibles (OI) asserting their dominance with a six-wicket thrashing of London Spirit (LS) by six wickets at Lord’s. In search of a historic third successive title, the Invincibles began their campaign with an authoritative show, exhibiting both their bowling and composure in the pursuit.
London Spirit Collapses for 80: Rashid Khan, Sam Curran Shine
Batting first in the LS vs OI match, the London Spirit faltered early and could not recover. Opening-order batsmen Keaton Jennings, Kane Williamson, and David Warner all got out with only 26 on the board. The batting lineup could not recover and was eventually bowled out for a paltry 80.
The show-stoppers were Rashid Khan and Sam Curran, who ripped through the Spirit line-up. Rashid Khan, in his first game for Oval Invincibles, impressed with 3 for 11, with Curran matching his effort with 3 for 16.
“It was wonderful to be back and to chip in immediately,” declared Rashid Khan. “The rest after the IPL really refreshed me physically and mentally. I’m extremely pleased with today’s performance.”
Rashid Khan: Back from Break with Instant Impact
After two months away from competitive cricket, Rashid Khan made a triumphant return. The leg-spinner executed tight lines and lengths on a pitch that offered turn, especially for bowlers who hit the right areas.
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“It was a good surface. Spin was there, but the length you bowled was really important today. When I bowled, it was just in my mind to hit the right areas consistently, to bowl a good line and length, and it went really well.”
Rashid on his comeback in the Hundred:
“The break [since the IPL] has really helped. Physically, but also mentally, to get ready for the next competition. The IPL is three months, it’s a long competition, and I needed a break mentally as well, and that’s really helped. I’m quite happy with today.”
Oval Invincibles Cruise Past Chase: Clinical Finish Under Lights
Pursuing just 81 under the floodlights, Oval Invincibles approached with a professional touch. Though the outcome was never certain, batters utilized the time for useful middle practice. Captain Sam Billings and Donovan Ferreira were left undefeated, with Ferreira securing victory in style, sending the sole six of the match into the Tavern Stand.
LS vs OI – The Hundred 2025 Opener: Key Takeaways
Oval Invincibles defeated London Spirit by 6 wickets, opening their quest for a ‘three-peat’.
London Spirit fell to 80 all out, none of the batters finding any sort of rhythm.
Rashid Khan and Sam Curran were the heroes with three wickets apiece.
Donovan Ferreira hit the game’s only six to bring the match to a close.
The Lord’s pitch provided spin, but disciplined bowling was the key to success.
LS vs OI Match Summary
Key Players
Performance
Rashid Khan (OI)
3/11 – match-winning debut spell
Sam Curran (OI)
3/16 – early breakthroughs
London Spirit Batting
All out for 80
Oval Invincibles Batting
Won with 6 wickets, chased in style
Final Word: Rashid Khan Boosts OI Title Hopes Early
The LS vs OI game was a strong declaration by Oval Invincibles. With Rashid Khan hitting his stride from the very beginning and the rest of the unit sharp, the defending champions appear in a strong position to make another solid run in The Hundred 2025.
The 2025 Men’s Hundred competition has begun, with the Oval Invincibles (OI) making a statement against London Spirit (LS), winning by six wickets at Lord’s. Looking to claim a historic third title in a row, the Invincibles began their title defence with a rampaging display of their batting and bowling merit, along with their composure in the chase.
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