In a nail-biting conclusion to the Eliminator, the Southern Brave managed to overcome the Birmingham Phoenix in the first-ever Super Five in the history of the Hundred. After a dramatic end to both innings, it was ultimately the Brave who triumphed, setting up a final clash with the Oval Invincibles.
The stage was set for a thrilling encounter as both teams fought hard for a spot in the final. Birmingham Phoenix, led by the dynamic Liam Livingstone, came agonizingly close to victory. Livingstone’s aggressive play had brought the Phoenix within reach, but his crucial wicket at a critical juncture paved the way for the Brave to force a tie, subsequently leading to the Super Five.
It was a showdown for the ages, and the Southern Brave’s Jofra Archer stepped up to the plate during the Super Five, delivering a stellar over. Archer conceded only seven runs, putting immense pressure on the Phoenix. On the other side, Chris Jordan and Kieron Pollard came out to bat for the Brave. Veteran player Chris Jordan shone under the spotlight, hitting two fours and securing the Brave’s passage to the final. This victory marked Southern Brave’s second final appearance in the tournament’s short history, with their previous outing in 2021 resulting in a title win.
The match began with Birmingham Phoenix facing a target of 127 in their innings. Southern Brave’s batting lineup displayed a balanced performance, starting with captain James Vince’s steady 43 runs. Leus du Plooy contributed a noteworthy 39, and Chris Jordan added a quickfire 20, leading their team to a respectable total of 126 for 6 at the end of their 100 balls. Adam Milne emerged as the star bowler for Phoenix, taking three wickets and becoming the team’s top wicket-taker in T20s with 35 wickets to his name, surpassing Benny Howell’s record of 32.
However, Birmingham Phoenix’s run chase did not take off smoothly. Early wickets fell as Ben Duckett scored a modest 7 and Jamie Smith managed just 10. It appeared to be an uphill struggle, but captain Moeen Ali and the ever-reliable Liam Livingstone stabilized the innings.
. Livingstone, known for his explosive batting, took the attack to the opposition bowlers and brought up his fifty with a mighty six off a no-ball in a dramatic final set, putting Phoenix within striking distance of victory.
With only 11 runs needed from the last five balls, the pressure was palpable. However, Livingstone’s untimely dismissal by Akeal Hosein shifted the momentum back to Southern Brave. West Indies spinner Hosein displayed nerves of steel, defending the remaining three runs from the last three balls, and ensuring the match led to the unprecedented Super Five.
As Southern Brave celebrated their dramatic victory, it’s important to recognize the significance of the Super Five in the context of the Hundred’s evolution. Introduced as a tie-breaker format to add an extra layer of excitement, the Super Five accomplished just that, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
Reflecting on the match, James Vince, captain of the Southern Brave, praised his team’s resilience and strategic play. “It was a memorable contest. Our bowlers did an excellent job under pressure and our batters kept their cool when it mattered most. Credit to Birmingham Phoenix for being such tough competitors, but it was our day today,” Vince commented post-match.
On the other side, a disappointed yet proud Moeen Ali acknowledged the efforts put in by his team. “We came really close, and it’s always tough to lose in such a manner. Liam was spectacular today, and our team showed incredible fight throughout the tournament. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger,” he said.
The stage is now set for an enthralling final between Southern Brave and the Oval Invincibles. Cricket fans can expect another high-intensity game as these two powerhouses battle it out for the coveted title. The introduction of the Super Five has indeed added a thrilling new dimension to the Hundred, making this innovative format all the more captivating for fans and players alike.
