Oval Invincibles began their defence of The Hundred men’s competition with an eight-wicket demolition of Birmingham Phoenix.

Phoenix had slumped to 10-4 from 17 balls after some poor shot selection as Saqib Mahmood and Mohammad Amir picked up two wickets apiece.

Rishi Patel (25), Benny Howell (24) and Jacob Bethell (22) were their only batters to make double figures as they tried to rebuild the innings.

But Phoenix could only muster 89 with 19 balls unused as spinner Adam Zampa proved the pick of the Invincibles’ attack with 3-11.

Tawanda Muyeye’s breezy 24 got the hosts off to a positive start before he and Will Jacks both fell to Tim Southee, who claimed 2-20.

Phoenix were unable to make any further inroads as Invincibles skipper Sam Billings and opener Dawid Malan guided them home with ease, finishing unbeaten on 31 and 24 respectively.