Sam Curran's Maiden T20 Century Powers Surrey to Victory

Surrey's Sam Curran produced a scintillating performance, smashing his maiden T20 century to guide his team to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Hampshire at The Kia Oval. The triumph secured Surrey a home quarter-final and the top spot in the South Group.

Curran, the England all-rounder, unleashed a barrage of six sixes and seven fours in his unbeaten 58-ball 102. He reached his century with the winning hit, as Surrey chased down Hampshire's target of 184 with five balls to spare.

Curran, who was dropped on 11 and caught off a no-ball on 44, shared crucial partnerships with Dominic Sibley (27) and Jamie Overton (21). John Turner emerged as the pick of Hampshire's bowlers, claiming 2 for 30.

Hampshire's innings was anchored by Toby Albert's career-best 66, his first half-century in the format. Jordan Clark's economical 3 for 24 kept the target within reach, while Matt Dunn, playing his first T20 match in three years, chipped in with two wickets.

Despite missing their leading scorers Ollie Pope and Jamie Smith due to Test duty, Surrey's batters stepped up to the challenge. Will Jacks started aggressively with a six off the first ball, but Brad Wheal dismissed him and Laurie Evans in quick succession.

Eddie Jack removed Rory Burns with a stunning catch by Tom Prest, leaving Surrey reeling at 27 for 3. However, Curran's reprieve on 11 proved pivotal. He celebrated by hitting Dawson for a six and then punished Howell with two consecutive maximums.

Despite losing Sibley, Curran reached his half-century in 34 balls and surpassed his previous career-best in the format with a fourth six. Overton joined the party with two sixes off Jack, and although he departed before the end, Curran sealed the victory with a six into the Bedser Stand.

Tags: #Surrey, #Hampshire, #T20Blast, #SamCurran, #Century