Ollie Pope delivered the decisive runs on the very last delivery, steering MI London to a nail‑biting three‑wicket win over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The climax came when Pope struck a two‑run boundary off the final ball, securing a dramatic finish that will be remembered by fans of The Hundred for weeks to come.
The innings began with Southern Brave’s opener Jamie Smith providing the early spark. Smith, the England Test wicket‑keeper, hammered 49 runs from just 26 balls, playing a brisk, attacking knock that brought the Brave within reach of a competitive total. Unfortunately for him, the half‑century eluded him by a whisker, and his dismissal left the Brave still needing to build a solid platform.
Smith’s performance, however, reinforced his growing reputation as a potential white‑ball asset for England, showcasing his ability to dominate the short‑format game with both power and precision. Beyond Smith, the Brave’s batting contribution was sparse. Tristan Stubbs managed 38 runs off 31 balls, the only other substantial score in an otherwise modest innings.
The rest of the line‑up struggled to find momentum, and the team’s total of 129 for nine wickets after their allotted 100 balls reflected a collective under‑performance. The low score was largely a product of disciplined bowling from MI London, especially the incisive spells of New Zealand paceman Trent Boult, who returned figures of two wickets for just 15 runs, and England all‑rounder Sam Curran, who claimed two for 22. Their early breakthroughs kept the Brave’s run‑rate in check and prevented any late‑order fireworks. When MI London began their chase, the start was anything but smooth.
Their top order faltered immediately as opener James Vince was dismissed for a duck, followed by the dismissal of No. 3 Nicholas Pooran on the very next ball. Both fell to a well‑executed spell by Marcus Stoinis, who recorded three wickets for 17 runs, ripping through the upper order and leaving MI London in a precarious position with early wickets tumbling.
The situation began to stabilize when captain Sam Curran, batting at a crucial juncture, played a composed 30 runs off 29 balls. His steadying presence was complemented by a spectacular display from opening batsman Will Jacks, who smashed 54 runs from just 41 deliveries, injecting much‑needed momentum into the chase. Sherfane Rutherford also contributed a quick‑fire 21 runs off 12 balls, further accelerating the run‑rate and keeping the required total within reach. Despite these efforts, Southern Brave rallied and applied pressure, forcing MI London into a tense finish where six runs were needed from the last five balls.
The climax unfolded with Rashid Khan’s wicket falling, leaving tail‑ender Trent Boult on strike. With three runs required from the final three deliveries, Boult displayed composure by taking a single, handing the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a former England batsman known for his aggressive style, faced the last ball. He sliced it into the outfield, racing back for two runs and clinching the match for MI London.
The scene captured the excitement of The Hundred: a game decided on the very last ball, with a mixture of skill, nerve, and a dash of fortune. The win propelled MI London up to third place in the competition’s table, putting them level on points with the leaders, Manchester Super Giants, albeit with one fewer game played. This positioning underscores the importance of each match in a short tournament where every point can shift the standings dramatically. Meanwhile, Southern Brave suffered their third consecutive defeat, sliding to second‑from‑bottom in the table and highlighting the challenges they face in turning their fortunes around.
Beyond the match itself, the broader context of The Hundred continues to evolve. The 2026 season has introduced fresh squads, new talent, and strategic adjustments as teams vie for the coveted title. Fans can follow the latest tables, squad announcements, and match highlights through official channels and streaming platforms such as NOW, which offers live coverage of The Hundred alongside other sporting events.
Looking ahead, MI London will aim to capitalize on this momentum, seeking to convert their points into a higher ladder position and possibly a playoff berth. Their blend of experienced internationals like Sam Curran and emerging stars such as Ollie Pope provides a balanced core capable of adapting to the fast‑paced demands of the format. Conversely, Southern Brave will need to reassess their batting strategy, perhaps giving more opportunities to players who can anchor innings and finish games under pressure.
The Hundred continues to attract a growing audience, with matches broadcast live on Sky Sports and available on-demand via NOW. The tournament’s unique blend of cricketing innovation—shortened overs, colored zones, and a focus on entertainment—has resonated with both traditional fans and newcomers. As the season progresses, each match adds a new chapter to the evolving story of this modern cricket competition, promising more thrilling finishes, standout performances, and the occasional upset that keeps the sport vibrant and unpredictable.