In the season’s first game, the reigning champions Oval Invincibles overcame Birmingham Phoenix thanks in large part to a crucial bowling effort by Pakistan’s top bowler, Mohammad Amir.
After winning the toss, Phoenix chose to bat first but found it difficult to match the Invincibles’ methodical bowling. They needed just 19 deliveries to be knocked out for 89 runs in 81 balls.
The only hitters to muster an effort were Benny Howell (24), Jacob Bethell (22), and Rishi Patel (25). The other batters failed to have an impact in the innings. In his 2.3 overs, Mohammad Amir was the most impressive bowler, surrendering only 7 runs while getting two crucial wickets, Dan Mousley (1) and skipper Moeen Ali (1).
Adam Zampa, who took three wickets, added to his outstanding bowling to further demolish the Phoenix batting order. In 11.3 overs, the Invincibles lost just two wickets to reach the goal with ease during the run-chase. Sam Billings, the captain, took the lead with a crucial 31-run innings. He was helped by Dawid Malan, who scored 24 runs without losing, and Tawanda Muyeye, who scored 23 more runs in the second innings.
