The Hundred: Southern Brave beat Birmingham Phoenix to win men’s title

Birmingham Phoenix beat Southern Brave to win the men’s title in a thrilling final. The game was one of the most exciting finals for men’s basketball in recent years, with both teams playing at an extremely high level throughout.

After defeating Birmingham Phoenix by 32 runs in an action-packed Lord’s final, Southern Brave were named the inaugural men’s Hundred winners.

Before the game turned in spectacular and unexpected manner, Phoenix’s Liam Livingstone blasted 46 from 19 balls, exciting a boisterous Lord’s crowd with an easy flow of boundaries.

Tim David, who had only just been added to the Brave’s team, ran out Livingstone with a 60m straight strike from deep, leaving the in-form Livingstone agonisingly inches short.

Birmingham needed another 99 from 55 balls to win, and Brave’s excellent bowling attack effectively finished out the game to make the victory margin much larger than it seemed at one point.

Moeen Ali was caught for 36 from 30 balls by teacher-turned-Hundred star Jake Lintott.

Prior to Ross Whiteley’s vital 44 not out from 19 balls, Ireland international Paul Stirling had struck 61 from 36 balls for the Brave, lifting them to 168-5.

At the conclusion of a memorable day at cricket’s historic home, the Oval Invincibles, champions of the women’s final earlier in the day, joined the Brave with their trophy.

The turning point of the game

Thirty-three runs may seem to be a large victory margin, but Birmingham was ahead of the Brave in their chase when Livingstone was flying, the audience on its feet as he smashed sixes at will.

However, the game was turned around by a stroke of genius from the most unexpected Brave hero.

David, an all-rounder who has represented Singapore internationally, made his debut in Friday’s eliminator as a late substitute for New Zealand international Colin de Grandhomme, who had to return home before the final.

After a diving effort to grab Livingstone failed, the huge 25-year-old pounced on a loose ball and arrowed a throw straight into the stumps.

In joy, his Brave teammates rushed to greet him. Livingstone seemed to be upset, so he covered his face with his glove.

“Southern Brave were the champs as soon as he [Livingstone] was on his way back,” former England captain Michael Vaughan remarked on Two.

The hundredth chapter concludes with the phrase “wonderful show.”

When the weather prediction predicted a downpour at the start of the day, this climax did not seem to be feasible.

Although the game did not come down to the last ball, it was nevertheless a thrilling contest with 22 sixes, great quick bowling, and outstanding fielding.

For the most part, the near-capacity audience of 24,556, which included an encouraging number of young children, seemed enthusiastic.

The Hundred may not be to everyone’s taste, but the moment when the men’s and women’s champions raised their trophies aloft side by side on cricket’s most renowned field was unforgettable.

The tournament’s prize money is split equally between the men’s and women’s champions.

“With less limitations and families out, it was a perfect occasion for the final,” Manchester Originals captain and commentator Carlos Brathwaite remarked.

“It was an honor to be a part of such a spectacular show, and the game on the field gave it credit.”

‘A really collaborative endeavor’

Brave were deserving winners, winning seven of their last eight games after losing their first two games.

Tymal Mills was spectacular once again in the final, taking 1-13 from 20 balls to cement his place in the England squad. Throughout, their fast bowling assault, which included Mills, George Garton, Chris Jordan, and Craig Overton, has been of international caliber.

Lintott, who took a break from teaching when he was offered a county contract earlier this year, has been a star performer with his spin.

They won the championship despite the absence of injured Jofra Archer and internationals David Warner and Andre Russell, who were forced to withdraw because to the Covid-19 epidemic.

“It’s been a true team effort, with various individuals showing up at different times,” captain James Vince said.

“The difference tonight was Paul Stirling and Ross Whiteley getting us runs on the board.”