In what can only be described as a pulsating cricket match, Southern Brave edged past Birmingham Phoenix in an unprecedented Super Five showdown during the Eliminator round of The Hundred. This historic clash saw Southern Brave clinch victory and advance to the tournament final for the second time since their title win in 2021.
The drama unfolded with Birmingham Phoenix, led by Moeen Ali, chasing a target of 127 runs that Southern Brave had set earlier. Southern Brave’s innings was fuelled by solid performances, notably from skipper James Vince who scored a crucial 43 runs, Leus du Plooy with 39 runs, and Chris Jordan adding 20 runs to the tally. Despite the efforts of Southern Brave’s batsmen, it was Adam Milne of Birmingham Phoenix who stole the limelight during the Brave innings. Milne bowled phenomenally well, claiming three critical wickets and surging to the top of Phoenix’s all-time highest wicket-takers in T20s with 35 wickets, surpassing Benny Howell’s previous record of 32 wickets.
The Birmingham Phoenix’s innings started on a shaky note with both Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith departing early for seven and ten runs respectively. However, their stalwarts, captain Moeen Ali and the explosive Liam Livingstone, managed to bring stability. Livingstone turned the game on its head with an aggressive yet measured approach to batting, scoring vital runs and keeping his side in the hunt. His fifty was marked by a memorable six off a no-ball in the final set, dramatically lifting the hopes of Phoenix supporters as they needed just 11 runs from the final five balls.
But the game took yet another twist. Livingstone fell to Southern Brave’s Akeal Hosein, who managed to defend the remaining runs, stalling Birmingham Phoenix at a tie and pushing the match into an unprecedented Super Five—a novelty in the tournament’s history.
As the Super Five commenced, it was Jofra Archer who took up the daunting task of bowling for Southern Brave. His precision and nerve were evident as he conceded only seven runs during his set. This tight bowling restricted the Phoenix and laid the foundation for a relatively comfortable chase.
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Chris Jordan and Kieron Pollard then came out to bat for Southern Brave. Needing eight runs to win from five balls, it was Jordan who stepped up, striking two crucial fours and sealing the victory for Southern Brave. This moment marked yet another chapter in the storied journey of Southern Brave under the leadership of James Vince, propelling them to their second final in The Hundred, where they are set to clash with Oval Invincibles.
Reflecting on the earlier part of the match, the Southern Brave innings, although seemingly modest at 126/6, was a blend of tactical prowess and individual brilliance. Vince’s 43 runs were a masterclass in controlled aggression, while du Plooy and Jordan provided the necessary support. The steady inflow of runs ensured that the team set a target that was challenging but achievable, placing the pressure squarely on the Phoenix’s batsmen.
Adam Milne’s bowling performance was another key takeaway from the contest. His exceptional three-wicket haul dragged the momentum in favour of the Phoenix temporarily. Milne’s ability to bowl with pace and accuracy made it difficult for Southern Brave to cut loose, and his bolstered wicket tally is a testament to his class and skill.
As for Birmingham’s batting, despite the early loss of wickets, Moeen Ali’s calm and composed innings coupled with Livingstone’s fireworks nearly carried the Phoenix over the line. They demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit, traits that make cricket the engrossing spectacle it is.
The match, settled by the Super Five, a format initially introduced to break ties in the fast-paced tournament, lived up to the excitement and unpredictability that fans of The Hundred have come to cherish. Southern Brave’s win in such a high-stakes scenario underscores the importance of experience, team cohesion, and the ability to perform under pressure.
In conclusion, Southern Brave’s victory in this thrilling Eliminator not only earned them a spot in the grand finale but also etched their name in the annals of The Hundred’s history. Their encounter with Oval Invincibles promises yet more excitement as fans gear up for what promises to be a fitting finale to a remarkable tournament.
