In a nail‑biting finish at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, Ollie Pope struck the decisive runs on the very last delivery, guiding MI London to a dramatic three‑wicket win over Southern Brave. The match unfolded as a classic showdown in The Hundred, with both sides displaying moments of brilliance and tension before the outcome was finally decided by Pope's composure under pressure. The opening partnership for Southern Brave was anchored by Jamie Smith, who produced a blistering 49 runs off just 26 balls. Smith’s aggressive stroke‑play kept the Brave in contention early on, but his innings fell just short of the coveted half‑century, leaving the team with a modest total to defend.
As a Test‑level wicketkeeper, Smith’s performance continues to bolster his argument for inclusion in England’s limited‑overs squads, showcasing his ability to accelerate the scoring rate when needed. Beyond Smith, the Brave’s batting line‑up struggled to make a significant impact.
The most notable secondary contribution came from Tristan Stubbs, who added 38 runs from 31 balls. Stubbs’ knock provided a brief surge of momentum, but the rest of the order failed to produce meaningful runs, resulting in a total that hovered at 129 for nine wickets after the allotted 100 balls.
The innings was further hampered by disciplined bowling from the MI London side, particularly the New Zealand paceman Trent Boult, who claimed two wickets for just 15 runs, and England’s all‑rounder Sam Curran, who also took two wickets while conceding only 22 runs. Their combined efforts kept the Brave’s score well below par.
When MI London began their chase, the start was anything but smooth. Opening batsman James Vince was dismissed for a duck, and his partner at number three, Nicholas Pooran, also fell without scoring on the very next ball.
Both dismissals came at the hands of Marcus Stoinis, whose spell yielded three wickets for 17 runs and severely dented the London top order before they could settle into a rhythm. The situation began to improve when captain Sam Curran arrived at the crease. Curran, playing a crucial innings of 30 runs off 29 balls, steadied the ship and provided the much‑needed stability. He was ably supported by the in‑form opener Will Jacks, who hammered a rapid 54 off 41 deliveries, and the hard‑hitting Sherfane Rutherford, who contributed a quickfire 21 off just 12 balls.
Their partnership propelled MI London into a competitive position, yet the Brave fought back fiercely, tightening the field and restricting runs. As the innings progressed into its final stages, MI London found themselves needing six runs from the last five balls. The tension was palpable, and a pivotal moment arrived when Rashid Khan, a key bowler for the Brave, was dismissed, leaving the tail‑ender Trent Boult on strike with three runs required from the final three deliveries.
Boult, known more for his bowling than his batting, displayed unexpected grit by taking a single, thereby handing the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a former England batsman with a reputation for calm under pressure, faced the last ball with the match hanging in the balance.
He chose to slice the delivery square of the wicket, sending it racing into the outfield. The ball raced past the fielders, allowing Pope to complete two runs and secure the winning margin for MI London. The crowd erupted as the final two runs were added, confirming a thrilling victory that would be remembered for its dramatic conclusion. The win has significant implications for the league standings.
MI London’s triumph lifts them to third place on The Hundred table, equal on points with league leaders Manchester Super Giants, although they have played one more match. This positions London as a serious contender as the tournament progresses. In contrast, Southern Brave suffer a third consecutive defeat, slipping to second‑from‑bottom on the table and prompting questions about their form and strategy moving forward. Beyond the match itself, the broader context of The Hundred continues to evolve.
Fans can keep up with the latest league tables, which are updated after each round of fixtures, and stay informed about squad changes for the upcoming 2026 season. The competition also offers a range of viewing options, with live streams available on platforms such as NOW, and highlights and analysis featured across various media outlets. Looking ahead, the next fixtures promise further excitement.
The Sunrisers Leeds will face Manchester Super Giants in a combined men’s and women’s double‑header, scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:00 pm. This match, like many others in The Hundred, will be available contract‑free on NOW, allowing fans to watch without subscription barriers. As the tournament unfolds, each game contributes to the narrative of a fast‑moving, high‑energy format that aims to attract new audiences to cricket while delivering unforgettable moments such as Pope’s last‑ball heroics.
Overall, the encounter between MI London and Southern Brave encapsulated the essence of The Hundred: rapid scoring, strategic bowling, and a finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Ollie Pope’s composure in the final over, combined with the contributions of players like Will Jacks and Sam Curran, highlighted the depth of talent within the London squad. Meanwhile, Southern Brave will need to regroup and address the shortcomings that led to their low total, especially in the middle order, if they hope to reverse their recent losing streak.
The tournament’s dynamic nature ensures that every match can shift momentum, and MI London’s recent win positions them as a team to watch as the competition moves toward its climax.