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The Hundred 2024: Sam Curran and Saqib Mahmood star in plays of the day
Timothy Abraham
BBC Sport Journalist
Oval Invincibles began their defence of The Hundred men's competition with an eight-wicket demolition of Birmingham Phoenix.
Phoenix had slumped to 10-4 from 17 balls after some poor shot selection as Saqib Mahmood and Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets apiece.
Rishi Patel (25), Benny Howell (24) and Jacob Bethell (22) were their only batters to make double figures as they tried to rebuild the innings.
But Phoenix could only muster 89 with 19 balls unused as spinner Adam Zampa proved the pick of the Invincibles' attack with 3-11.
Tawanda Muyeye's breezy 24 got the hosts off to a positive start before he and Will Jacks both fell to Tim Southee, who claimed 2-20.
Phoenix were unable to make any further inroads as Invincibles skipper Sam Billings and opener Dawid Malan guided them home with ease, finishing unbeaten on 31 and 24 respectively.
What else do you need to know?
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,Saqib Mahmood made his first appearance in The Hundred since 2021, having struggled with injuries in recent years
The Invincibles beat Phoenix in The Hundred men's competition for the first time, ending a run of three defeats.
England batters Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone were dismissed for one and zero respectively during the Phoenix slump at the start of their innings.
England seamer Mahmood (2-25) and Pakistan fast bowler Amir (2-7) did the early damage for the Invincibles with the ball.
Wicketless Sam Curran had a quiet night with the ball for the Invincibles, with the England all-rounder bowling just one set for 14 runs, but did take a stunning catch to dismiss Livingstone.
Phoenix's total was the fifth lowest in The Hundred men's competition. They now have three of the top five worst, including the lowest made against Manchester Originals in 2022.
'It wasn't pretty' - what they said
Oval Invincibles captain Sam Billings: "There were probably a few nerves from everyone getting into the tournament so a really good start. It probably wasn't pretty at times, so it was pleasing to get the job done."
Birmingham Phoenix skipper Moeen Ali: "We didn't get enough runs. The wicket was tough and they played and missed a lot. Guys wanted to go out and get off to a flyer and it was difficult to do that, but I would rather they played shots."
Player of the match Adam Zampa of Oval Invincibles: "The Oval is one of my favourite stadiums in the world. I love bowling here because you gather pace off the wicket. Really enjoyable."
What is happening on Wednesday?
Another women's and men's double header in The Hundred on Wednesday as Southern Brave face London Spirit at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.
There will be ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra from 14:45 (BST) and via BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website.
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