They will face off against the defending champions, the Oval Invincibles.
Southern Brave Secures Spot in The Hundred Final After Thrilling Eliminator Against Birmingham Phoenix
Southern Brave has clinched their place in The Hundred final following a dramatic Eliminator against Birmingham Phoenix, a match that was ultimately decided by the tournament’s first-ever Super Five. The encounter was a gripping showcase of cricket’s unpredictable nature, marked by a series of high-stakes moments that tested the nerves of both teams.
The Dramatic Eliminator
The match began with Birmingham Phoenix looking poised for victory, largely thanks to an explosive half-century from Liam Livingstone. His powerful batting performance brought Phoenix tantalizingly close to the finish line. However, with just three runs required, Livingstone’s dismissal proved to be a game-changer.
Southern Brave’s Akeal Hosein demonstrated remarkable composure under pressure, conceding only two runs in his last three deliveries. This tight bowling resulted in a tie, pushing the game into the Super Five—a new feature in this year’s tournament designed to determine the outcome of exceptionally close matches.
Super Five Decides the Fate
In the high-octane Super Five, Jofra Archer made an immediate impact by dismissing Liam Livingstone on the very first ball. Archer’s key wicket ensured that Phoenix’s run chase was significantly hindered, restricting them to just seven runs from the additional five balls. This crucial moment shifted the momentum in favor of Southern Brave.
Chris Jordan then played a pivotal role in sealing the victory for Brave. He struck a decisive boundary, leaving one ball to spare, and secured their spot in the final. This win sets up an exciting clash against the defending champions, Oval Invincibles, scheduled to take place at Lord’s on Sunday evening.
Turning Point of the Match
Liam Livingstone’s near-match-winning performance included a dramatic six off a Hosein no-ball, which reduced the required runs to just three from four balls. However, Livingstone failed to capitalize on the subsequent free hit and was dismissed on the next delivery. This pivotal moment gave Southern Brave a crucial lifeline, which they seized with determination to advance to their first final since winning the inaugural tournament in 2021.
Key Performances
Southern Brave’s innings was anchored by James Vince, who emerged as the top scorer for the team. Vince’s crucial knock of 43 runs helped Brave post a competitive total of 126-6 on a pitch that favored the bowlers. His contribution was essential in setting a challenging target for Phoenix.
Despite a strong bowling effort from Phoenix, led by Adam Milne who took 3 wickets for 18 runs, it was the Brave bowlers who eventually swung the momentum. Phoenix struggled under pressure, reaching 45-3 at the halfway point of their chase, which added to the mounting tension of the game.
Livingstone’s Impact and Brave’s Resilience
The match saw a critical turning point when Liam Livingstone was dropped on seven by Leus du Plooy. This dropped catch allowed Livingstone to build a strong innings, during which he hit four sixes and appeared to be steering Phoenix towards victory. However, despite his impressive performance, Phoenix fell short, and Southern Brave held their nerve to advance.
Final Showdown
Southern Brave’s victory in the Eliminator secures them a place in The Hundred final, where they will face the Oval Invincibles. This upcoming final promises to be an exhilarating contest, with Brave aiming to clinch their second title and Invincibles defending their crown.
The win marks a significant achievement for Southern Brave, who have shown resilience and determination throughout the tournament. With a blend of strategic bowling and impactful batting, they have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the championship.
Brief Summary: Southern Brave secured their place in The Hundred final with a thrilling victory over Birmingham Phoenix in the Eliminator, decided by the tournament’s first-ever Super Five. Liam Livingstone’s crucial innings was overshadowed by his dismissal at a critical moment, while Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan played key roles in sealing the win. Brave’s final score of 126-6 proved sufficient as Phoenix fell short, setting up a highly anticipated final against the defending champions, Oval Invincibles.