Invincibles win again - what makes holders so good?

The Hundred men's competition, Utilita Bowl, Southampton

Southern Brave 133 (98): Cartwright 42 (30); Rashid 3-30, S Curran 3-21

Oval Invincibles 134-3 (89 balls): Cox 56 (37), S Curran 50 (32)

Oval Invincibles won by seven wickets

Scorecard. Table

Two-time defending champions Oval Invincibles moved clear at the top of the men's Hundred table by emphatically beating Southern Brave by seven wickets.

After their batters piled up a record score on Saturday, the bowlers took the leading role in Southampton by dismissing their hosts for 133.

Australia left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff took two wickets with the new ball and when Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan took three wickets in his first five balls Brave were 44-6 after 40 balls.

Though Hilton Cartwright hit 42 to boost the score, Sam Curran took three wickets and completed a run-out to wrap up the innings in 98 balls.

Will Jacks and Tawanda Muyeye have been the competition's in-form opening partnership this year but both fell in the powerplay.

From 18-2, Jordan Cox and Curran combined for a stand of 101 in 64 balls, however, to steer Invincibles away from any danger.

Cox, who made a thrilled with 86 not out against Welsh Fire on Saturday, impressed again with 56 from 37 balls while Curran - left out of England's white-ball squads on Friday - finished 50 not out to lead his side home with 11 balls to spare.

With four wins from five, Invincibles are now four points clear at the top of the table and, given their massive net run-rate advantage, effectively only need one win from their final three matches to finish in the top three.

What makes Invincibles so successful?

Since the start of 2023, Oval Invincibles have won 78.2% of their matches. No side in any major men's T20 league can better that record.

Muyeye said playing in this team "feels like playing for Chicago Bulls in the 1990s" on Saturday, such is the talent.

Inspired by the great Michael Jordan, the Bulls twice completed a three-peat. Would anyone bet against Invincibles completing their first by the time the month is out?

They are a franchise built on stability, led by the calm influence of coach Tom Moody.

Six of their players – Curran, brother Tom, Cox, Jacks, captain Sam Billings and spinner Nathan Sowter - have played more than 25 matches for the team in The Hundred. No other side can match that number.

It is clear to see why Curran said playing for the Invincibles it is "like turning up to work and playing with your mates".

Their squads have also been cleverly crafted.

Whether by accident or design, their England internationals are not Test regulars.

Where other teams are hurt when the likes of Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith or Ollie Pope have their playing time limited by Test exploits, Invincibles' biggest names are almost always available.

Smart, too, has been their work in the draft - or this year's direct signings.

In each of the past three seasons they have spent big money on a world-class overseas spinner, with Australia's Adam Zampa, West Indies' Sunil Narine and Afghanistan international Rashid Khan - three of the best in the world - signed for more than £100,000.

Left-armer quicks, another staple of successful T20 teams, have been targeted too. Spencer Johnson played in 2023 and 2024 and Behrendorff this year, both complemented by Sam Curran.

The result is a bowling attack packed with variety.

Since the start of 2023 edition, they have taken 31 wickets inside the powerplay, the second most for any side.

At the death in that time, they concede runs at 1.59 per ball - the record best for any side - with the Curran brothers coming to the fore.

When batting themselves, Invincibles have hit 92 sixes in the final 25 balls across The Hundred's five seasons, 21 more than the next best side.

Their batting line-up is long - Jacks and Muyeye consistent at the top, Cox in the form of his life and Billings the steady hand in the middle.

The skipper has finished not out in six successful run chases in the men's Hundred.

It is no wonder they are so successful.

Additional reporting by CriciViz analyst Kieran Parmley

What is happening on Tuesday?

We travel to Trent Bridge on Tuesday for a double-header between Trent Rockets and Manchester Originals.

The women's game starts at 15:00 BST, while the men's game begins at 18:30.

You will be able to watch both games lives on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, while you can also follow ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app.