Southern Brave edged out Birmingham Phoenix in a thrilling Super Set eliminator in The Hundred at The Oval. Despite Adam Milne’s three-wicket haul that restricted Brave to 126/6, Birmingham couldn’t capitalize. Liam Livingstone’s impressive knock kept Phoenix in the hunt, but the game slipped into a tense final set, where Akeal Hosein’s brilliant bowling forced a Super Set decider. Hosein’s splendid performance in the last set was instrumental in keeping Phoenix at bay. Southern Brave capitalized on their momentum and secured a comfortable win in the Super Set, sealing a dramatic victory that keeps their title hopes alive.
Match Summary
- Toss: Moeen Ali (BP) won the toss and chose to field
- Southern Brave Innings: 126/6 in 100 balls
- James Vince: 43 (35)
- Leus du Plooy: 39 (32)
- Key Bowler: Adam Milne (3/18) in 20 balls
- Birmingham Phoenix Innings: 126/7 in 100 balls
- Liam Livingstone : 55 (34)
- Moeen Ali: 24 (25)
- Key Bowler: Tymal Mills (3/23) in 20 balls
Key Moments
James Vince-Leus du Plooy’s impressive stand
James Vince continued his exceptional form in The Hundred 2024, anchoring Southern Brave’s innings after an early setback. With Alex Davies dismissed cheaply, Vince steadied the ship alongside Leus du Plooy. The pair added a crucial 76-run partnership, turning around what initially looked like a bleak batting effort. Vince led from the front with a composed 43 off 35 balls, while du Plooy contributed a solid 39 off 32. Their efforts helped Southern Brave recover from early trouble and post a competitive total of 126/6, giving them a fighting chance in the match.
Adam Milne’s class continued
Adam Milne’s precision and class with the new ball have been outstanding this season, and he once again made an immediate impact by dismissing Alex Davies on the second delivery of the match. Milne continued to be economical throughout his spell, effectively controlling the game with tight lines and smart variations. His key moment came when he broke the crucial Vince-du Plooy partnership by taking Leus du Plooy’s wicket, putting Birmingham Phoenix back in the contest. In the final set, Milne struck again, removing Laurie Evans to further restrict Southern Brave. The Kiwi speedster’s brilliant bowling efforts were instrumental in limiting Brave to 126/6. 
Liam Livingstone runs riot
Liam Livingstone was Birmingham Phoenix’s key hope after disappointing performances from Ben Duckett and Jamie Smith. Starting cautiously, Livingstone took his time, pacing his innings from the 29th delivery. However, once settled, he switched gears, launching a powerful onslaught from the 59th delivery, smashing boundaries and keeping Phoenix in the chase. His carnage continued into the final set, but his departure after a brilliant 55 off 34 deliveries proved costly. Without Livingstone at the crease, Phoenix’s batting crumbled under pressure, leading the match into a tense Super Set decider. Despite his valiant efforts, the collapse left Phoenix short of victory.
Thrilling super five
Birmingham Phoenix’s struggles continued in the Super Set as Jofra Archer struck immediately, dismissing Liam Livingstone on the first ball. Archer’s precise bowling and tight lines restricted Birmingham to just 7/2 in their five deliveries, with only a single boundary. Southern Brave capitalized on this, and Chris Jordan’s back-to-back boundaries comfortably sealed the victory for his team. With this thrilling win, Southern Brave now advance to face Oval Invincibles in the title clash at Lord’s, setting up an exciting finale.
Implications and Future Prospects
A remarkable comeback win for Southern Brave, who looked down and out when Akeal Hosein bowled a no-ball and conceded six off the first delivery, leaving Birmingham Phoenix needing just three of five with the dangerous Liam Livingstone on strike. But Hosein held his nerve, dismissing Livingstone and conceding only two more runs to force a Super Set.
Vince’s brave decision to keep Hosein for the final set paid off handsomely. Phoenix, who seemed to have the game in their grasp, were left devastated after Livingstone, despite his excellent form throughout the tournament, failed to finish the job. Earlier, Ben Duckett also faltered for the first time this season, and despite Phoenix’s recovery through a strong partnership between Bethell and Livingstone, they fell short. In the Super Set, Livingstone was dismissed first ball and Phoenix managed only seven runs. Chris Jordan sealed it for Brave who now face Oval Invincibles in the final.
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