Cox's Blistering 86 Powers Oval Invincibles to Record Hundred Total*

Jordan Cox lit up the Kia Oval with a breathtaking display of power-hitting, smashing an unbeaten 86 off just 29 balls as Oval Invincibles stormed to a record total of 226 for 5 — the highest-ever in the history of the Men's Hundred. The defending champions then bowled out Welsh Fire for 143 to complete a thumping 83-run victory.

Sent in to bat, the Invincibles began aggressively in front of a full house, with Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye taking early control. The pair raced to 54 without loss in the 25-ball powerplay, setting the tone for what would become a historic batting performance.

Although Welsh Fire pulled things back briefly with wickets from Saif Zaib and Matt Henry, the game turned when Cox arrived at the crease. Initially measured, he soon unleashed a brutal assault, smashing debutant Ajeet Singh Dale for four sixes in one set — including a stunning reverse-scoop off the final ball.

Cox continued his onslaught, bringing up a 21-ball half-century and punishing every loose delivery. Dropped on 42, he made Fire pay dearly, striking Paul Walter for three sixes in succession and dominating the shorter boundary with clinical precision. His 86 not out featured 10 towering sixes and pushed the Invincibles to a monumental 226 — eclipsing the previous Hundred record.

Sam Curran also played a key role, hammering multiple sixes in a 39-run blitz, while Donovan Ferreira added late fireworks before falling to Steve Smith at long-on.

In reply, Welsh Fire’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Steve Eskinazi fell to the first ball of the innings, caught brilliantly by Muyeye. From there, the visitors struggled to keep pace with the daunting target.

Jonny Bairstow fought hard with a quickfire 50, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore chipped in with a lively 31 off 16 balls, but the target proved far out of reach. Tom Curran starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 15 as Fire were bowled out well short of the target.

Cox, named the Meerkat Match Hero, credited his performance to technical work done in the nets:
"Last game I lost that front leg and had no power. I did a bit of work with Donovan [Ferreira], who’s big on getting your base right — and it helped."

Reflecting on the team’s form, he added: "It’s a proper team, and it’s a privilege to be part of it. The depth we have gives you that freedom. We’re playing some pretty good cricket."

With this commanding win, Oval Invincibles continue to set the pace in the 2025 season, proving once again why they are the team to beat.

Match Summary:
Oval Invincibles: 226/5 (Cox 86*, Curran 39; Henry 2-39)
Welsh Fire: 143 all out (Bairstow 50, Kohler-Cadmore 31; T Curran 4-15)
Result: Oval Invincibles won by 83 runs.