In a heart-stopping showdown at the Kia Oval, Liam Livingstone’s valiant half-century was not enough to secure victory for the Birmingham Phoenix as they stumbled at the final hurdle against the Southern Brave in the Hundred.
The Phoenix posted a total of 126 for 7, with Livingstone shining bright with his 55 off 34 balls. However, the Brave held their nerve in the crucial moments, and it was Chris Jordan who emerged as the hero of the day, smashing 10 runs from just three balls in the Super Five to clinch the win for his team.
“Livingstone had looked set to take Phoenix to the final, but unfortunately, it was not to be,” lamented a disappointed fan.
Despite Livingstone’s heroic efforts, the Brave put up a strong fight, with James Vince’s 43 and Leus du Plooy’s 39 setting the stage for a thrilling finish. Jordan’s impressive display with the bat, including two crucial sixes in the final set, proved to be the turning point in the match.
As the Phoenix began their chase, Moeen Ali and Jacob Bethell made valuable contributions to keep the team in the hunt. Livingstone’s powerful hitting, which saw him dispatch Jofra Archer out of the ground, had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
But fate had different plans, as Livingstone’s dismissal and some late drama saw the scores tied at 126 apiece, leading to the first-ever Super Five in the history of the Hundred.
“Bethell’s boundary was a ray of hope, but Jordan and Pollard had other ideas,” remarked a Cricket enthusiast in the stands.
In the end, it was Jordan’s stroke of luck and unwavering determination that saw the Brave emerge victorious, booking their spot in the Hundred final at Lord’s for the second time.
“It was a thrilling contest that kept us on the edge of our seats till the very end,” said a spectator who witnessed the nail-biting finish.
The battle between the Phoenix and the Brave will go down in history as one of the most intense and memorable clashes in the Hundred tournament, showcasing the sheer talent and grit of the players involved.
