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Match 31 of The Hundred Men’s 2024 at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, saw the Trent Rockets clinch a six-wicket victory over the Oval Invincibles in a high-scoring and thrilling encounter. Chasing a formidable target of 151 runs, the Rockets showcased their batting prowess, reaching the target with six balls to spare. Despite the defeat, the Invincibles put up a valiant fight, making it a match to remember.
Oval Invincibles’ strong start and late blast
Winning the toss, the Invincibles opted to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle. Openers Will Jacks and Dawid Malan laid a solid foundation, with Jacks providing an aggressive start and Malan anchoring the innings. Even after Jacks’ dismissal, Malan continued to steer the innings, ensuring the Invincibles were on course for a competitive total.
The highlight of the innings came from South African all-rounder Donovan Ferreira, who delivered a fiery cameo in the final overs. His explosive 27 runs off just 10 balls included three towering sixes in the 19th and 20th sets, propelling the Invincibles past the 150-run mark. Ferreira’s sixes, particularly against Ed Gregory, were a display of sheer power, with the ball soaring over long-on, deep midwicket, and wide long-off, illustrating his ability to finish the innings with a flourish.
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Donovan Ferreira’s explosive finish: Three consecutive sixes
On the 94th ball, Ferreira unleashed his first six, a powerful straight drive that just cleared the long-on boundary. Facing Gregory’s quicker delivery at 81 mph, Ferreira timed it perfectly, despite not hitting it from the middle of the bat, sending the ball 67 meters for a six. Gregory tried to counter with a short-pitched delivery on the 95th ball, but Ferreira was ready. He pulled it over deep midwicket, clearing the longest boundary on the ground with ease, demonstrating his strength and precision.
The third six came on the 96th ball, where Ferreira showcased his incredible ability to read the bowler. With the ball pitched in the slot outside off stump, Ferreira set himself deep in the crease and launched it over wide long-off, completing a hat-trick of sixes. This final six, with a bit of fade, traveled the distance, reaffirming Ferreira’s reputation as a formidable big-hitter.
Here’s the video:
3 sixes in 3 balls 🔥
Pure power hitting from Donovan Ferreira 💪#TheHundred | #RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/Lc6rrK5r5o
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 14, 2024
Trent Rockets’ chase led by Alex Hales and Rovman Powell
In response, the Rockets’ batters were up to the task. Alex Hales provided a solid start with 35 off 25 balls, setting the tone for the chase. Tom Alsop’s unbeaten 41 off 24 deliveries and Rovman Powell’s powerful 45 off 27 balls were instrumental in steering the Rockets towards the target. Powell’s aggressive knock, in particular, was pivotal in keeping the Rockets ahead of the required run rate.
With six deliveries remaining, the Rockets comfortably chased down the target, securing a well-deserved victory. Their win not only highlighted the effectiveness of their batting lineup but also underscored their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches, marking the 31st game of The Hundred 2024 as a memorable encounter.