Sam Curran delivered a moment of pure magic during the opening clash of The Hundred Men’s 2025, completely deceiving Richard Gleeson with a 75.64 kph (47 mph) slower ball that can only be described as a “moon ball.” Bowling from around the wicket for Oval Invincibles, Curran’s loopy delivery floated its way past a wild swing from Gleeson and crashed into the base of off-stump, sealing London Spirit’s innings at just 80 in 94 balls.
It was Curran’s third wicket of the night, finishing with impressive figures of 3/18 off 19 balls. But Gleeson wasn’t the only batter undone by Curran’s deceptive pace. Earlier, Ashton Turner (21 off 14) also fell victim to a similar slower ball, mistiming a slog that Rashid Khan safely pouched at deep mid-wicket.
✨ Grace Harris hits gorgeous six
✨ Issy Wong smashes the stumps
✨ Sam Curran takes a wicket with ultra slow ballIt’s time to vote in the KP Play of the Day! #TheHundred | @KPSnacks
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 5, 2025
Sam curran slow bowl #thehundred2025 #samcurran #englandbarmyarmy #cskfans pic.twitter.com/KJC68HW44S
— Cricket Bharat army (@BharatArmy69578) August 6, 2025
The Invincibles had little trouble chasing down the modest target. Rashid Khan, who was later named Player of the Match for his economical spell of 3/11 in 20 balls and three stunning catches, played a central role in dismantling the Spirit. Will Jacks top-scored with 24 off 24, while skipper Sam Billings (6* off 3) and Donovan Ferreira (9* off 5) completed the formalities with ease.
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Oval Invincibles cruised to a six-wicket win with 31 balls to spare and will now face Manchester Originals at The Oval on Saturday, August 9. Curran’s memorable slower delivery has already gone viral on social media, being hailed as one of the plays of the tournament’s opening week.
London Spirit (Playing XI): David Warner, Keaton Jennings, Kane Williamson(c), Wayne Madsen, Ashton Turner, John Simpson(w), Ryan Higgins, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Richard Gleeson, Daniel Worrall
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Oval Invincibles (Playing XI): Will Jacks, Tawanda Muyeye, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Sam Billings(w/c), Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Rashid Khan, Jordan Clark, Nathan Sowter, Jason Behrendorff
