Ollie Pope scored the winning runs with the last ball to take MI London to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.
Opener Jamie Smith top-scored with 49 from 26 balls, falling agonisingly short of a half-century as the Test wicketkeeper continued to strengthen his case for a place in England’s white-ball setup. Tristan Stubbs’ 38 from 31 was the only other notable contribution in an otherwise underwhelming Southern Brave innings.
Impressive bowling, from Trent Boult (2-15) and Sam Curran (2-22) in particular, limited the Brave to a disappointing score of 129-9 after their 100 balls.
Jamie Smith recorded an impressive 49 off 24 for the Brave
Southern Brave team members celebrate the wicket of MI London’s James Vince
MI London, though, struggled to get settled at the crease, with opener James Vince (0) and No 3 Nicholas Pooran (0) falling in successive balls to Marcus Stoinis (3-17) to make a significant dent in the visitor’s top order.
Captain Sam Curran (30 off 29) was able to steady the ship alongside the impressive opener Will Jacks (54 off 41) and the productive Sherfane Rutherford (21 off 12), but the Brave bounced back, leaving MI London needing six off the final five balls.
Jamie Smith recorded an impressive 49 off 24 for the Brave
The hosts looked to have one foot over the line when Rashid Khan’s dismissal left tailender Trent Boult on strike, with MI London needing three runs from the final three balls. Boult responded with a gutsy single to hand Ollie Pope the strike, and the former England batter sliced the last delivery into the outfield to scamper back for the winning two runs and seal a thrilling victory.
The victory lifts MI London up to third in The Hundred table, level on points with leaders Manchester Super Giants, albeit having played a game more. Southern Brave, meanwhile, slump to a third straight defeat and remain second from bottom.
What’s happening in the Hundred on Tuesday?
Sunrisers Leeds take on Manchester Super Giants in a men’s and women’s double header, live on Sky Sports from 3:00pm. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW
