The Hundred 2025 has reached a crucial stage, and fans are in for a blockbuster when Southern Brave host Oval Invincibles at The Rose Bowl, Southampton on August 18. The encounter comes at a pivotal juncture for both teams—Brave are desperate to bounce back after back-to-back defeats, while the Invincibles arrive full of confidence, having flexed their batting might in their last outing.
It’s a clash of contrasting fortunes: the Brave trying to stay afloat after a shaky start, and the Invincibles looking every bit like defending champions on a mission.
Southern Brave: Searching for Consistency
For the Brave, 2025 has been a rollercoaster so far. James Vince’s side began the season with promise, winning two of their first three games. But consecutive losses—to Northern Superchargers and Trent Rockets—have suddenly put them under pressure. Sitting mid-table with a 2-2 record, the Brave need a victory at home to steady their campaign.
Vince Under Pressure
James Vince has long been the heartbeat of Southern Brave, but the skipper knows the weight of expectation is heavier this season. With a star-studded batting lineup, including Vince, Jason Roy, and Leus du Plooy, fans expect explosive starts and commanding totals. Instead, the Brave have been plagued by inconsistency—collapsing in crunch situations and failing to capitalize on strong starts.
Key Performers and Missed Opportunities
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Leus du Plooy has shown glimpses of form, holding the innings together when early wickets fall. His composure in the middle overs is vital in a side where others prefer to attack.
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Michael Bracewell has impressed with his all-round utility. His power-hitting late in the innings and ability to bowl tidy overs of off-spin make him indispensable.
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Tymal Mills has led the bowling attack with experience, but the Brave’s bowlers overall have struggled to contain runs at the death—a worrying sign against a team like the Invincibles.
Home Advantage
The Rose Bowl has traditionally been Brave’s fortress. The crowd, the conditions, and the familiarity should all play in their favor. But with the pitch offering help to seamers and teams batting second having the edge this season, Brave’s batting unit must step up under pressure.
Oval Invincibles: Champions Flexing Their Muscles
If the Brave are looking for consistency, the Oval Invincibles seem to have found theirs at just the right time. With three wins from four matches, they’ve looked well-drilled, balanced, and in ominous form. Their last outing against Welsh Fire was nothing short of a statement—a colossal 226/4, followed by an 83-run victory.
A Batting Lineup to Fear
The Invincibles’ batting depth is unmatched.
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Will Jacks continues to be their powerplay enforcer, striking the ball cleanly and setting the tone.
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Jordan Cox, a reliable presence at No. 3, has provided consistency with quick runs in the middle overs.
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Sam Curran, batting higher in the order, has been pivotal. His ability to accelerate, coupled with his aggressive approach, makes him a game-changer.
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And then there’s Donovan Ferreira, the South African big-hitter, who showcased his range with a blistering cameo against Welsh Fire.
When Invincibles fire with the bat, they look unstoppable. Their 226-run total last game was a reminder that defending champions don’t just win—they dominate.
Bowling Arsenal
Their bowling attack is equally threatening:
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Rashid Khan—the world’s premier T20 spinner—remains their trump card in the middle overs. His variations and control make him a nightmare for opposition batters.
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Jason Behrendorff and Saqib Mahmood share the new-ball duties, often breaking partnerships early.
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Tom Curran adds experience and control in the death overs, while Nathan Sowter provides spin options alongside Rashid.
This balance—world-class batters supported by a disciplined, varied bowling unit—is what makes the Invincibles look like strong contenders to retain their crown.
Head-to-Head: Invincibles Hold the Edge
When it comes to past encounters, the numbers speak clearly in favor of the Invincibles.
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Matches Played: 5
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Oval Invincibles Wins: 4
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Southern Brave Wins: 1
This lopsided record highlights the Brave’s struggles against this particular opponent. Whether it’s been Invincibles’ superior batting depth or their ability to choke Brave with Rashid Khan’s spin, history suggests Vince’s men will need something special to flip the script.
Venue & Pitch Report: The Rose Bowl, Southampton
The Rose Bowl has already hosted two matches this season in The Hundred, and both games have leaned towards teams chasing.
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Average First Innings Score: 123
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Chasing Teams Record: Won both games
What to Expect
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The pitch offers good bounce and early swing, aiding fast bowlers with the new ball.
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Batting becomes easier after the first 20–30 deliveries, but slowing conditions in the second half could bring spinners into play.
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Death overs are tricky: seamers who nail yorkers and slower balls tend to thrive here.
With both teams stacked with strong fast-bowling options, the Rose Bowl might produce a low-scoring thriller rather than another run-fest.
Key Battles to Watch
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James Vince vs Rashid Khan
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Vince’s tendency to dominate spin will be tested against Rashid’s variations. If Rashid dismisses him early, Brave’s batting could wobble.
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Will Jacks vs Tymal Mills
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Jacks likes to go hard in the powerplay, but Mills’ left-arm pace and death-bowling expertise could be the perfect counter.
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Michael Bracewell vs Sam Curran
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Both versatile all-rounders, Bracewell and Curran, will look to outshine each other. Curran’s aggression against spin could test Bracewell, while Bracewell’s big-hitting could target Curran at the death.
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Jason Roy vs Jason Behrendorff
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The battle of the “Jasons.” Roy loves pace on the ball, but Behrendorff’s left-arm swing could expose his vulnerability early.
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Dream11 Fantasy Prediction
Wicketkeeper
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Jordan Cox (consistent scorer, handy in middle overs)
Batters
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James Vince
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Leus du Plooy
All-rounders
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Michael Bracewell
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Sam Curran
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James Coles
Bowlers
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Jason Behrendorff
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Tymal Mills
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Saqib Mahmood
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Rashid Khan
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Jofra Archer
Captain and Vice-Captain Options
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Sam Curran (c), Michael Bracewell (vc)
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James Vince (c), Tymal Mills (vc)
Backup Picks: Will Jacks, Jason Roy, Tom Curran, Laurie Evans
Squads
Southern Brave
Leus du Plooy, James Vince (c), Jason Roy, James Coles, Michael Bracewell, Laurie Evans (wk), Hilton Cartwright, Jordan Thompson, Danny Briggs, Jofra Archer, Tymal Mills, Chris Jordan, Reece Topley, Craig Overton, Finn Allen, Toby Albert
Oval Invincibles
Will Jacks, Tawanda Muyeye, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Sam Billings (c & wk), Donovan Ferreira, Tom Curran, Rashid Khan, Nathan Sowter, Saqib Mahmood, Jason Behrendorff, Jordan Clark, Zafar Gohar, Miles Hammond, George Scrimshaw, Gus Atkinson
Match Prediction
Given current form, Oval Invincibles enter this match as favorites. Their batting firepower, led by Will Jacks and Sam Curran, combined with Rashid Khan’s spin, gives them an edge over the shaky Brave.
However, Brave cannot be counted out at home. If Vince anchors the innings, Roy explodes at the top, and their bowling trio of Archer, Mills, and Jordan fire in tandem, the Brave could spring a surprise.
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Winning Probability:
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Oval Invincibles: 60%
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Southern Brave: 40%
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Expect a thrilling contest that could go down to the final 10 balls—classic Hundred drama.
The Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles clash at the Rose Bowl is more than just a league game. It’s a test of resilience for the Brave and a chance for the Invincibles to cement their dominance.
With world-class stars on both sides—from Vince, Archer, and Bracewell to Curran, Jacks, and Rashid—the match promises fireworks, high-intensity battles, and moments that could swing momentum in a flash.
Will the Brave roar back to winning ways at home, or will the Invincibles extend their dominance and underline their status as the team to beat? On August 18, the Rose Bowl will have all the answers.
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