Ollie Pope delivered the decisive blow on the very last delivery, guiding MI London to a nail‑biting three‑wicket win over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The climax unfolded when Pope, standing at the non‑striker's end, slotted a clean, sweeping shot into the outfield to secure the final two runs, turning a tense finish into a jubilant celebration for the home side. The innings began with Southern Brave’s opener Jamie Smith providing the early spark. Smith, a promising Test wicket‑keeper, hammered 49 runs from just 26 balls, showcasing a blend of power and timing that kept the scoreboard ticking.
Despite falling just one run short of a half‑century, his aggressive approach reinforced his growing credentials for a permanent spot in England’s limited‑overs squads. The rest of the Brave’s batting line‑up struggled to make a significant impact. The only other contribution of note came from Tristan Stubbs, who added 38 runs off 31 balls, attempting to steady the innings after Smith’s dismissal. However, the overall performance was underwhelming, and the side could not build a competitive total.
The bowlers for MI London, on the other hand, were relentless. New Zealand fast‑bowling ace Trent Boult produced a spell of brilliance, returning figures of 2 for 15, while England’s all‑rounder Sam Curran mirrored the effort with 2 for 22. Their disciplined lines and lengths, coupled with strategic variations, kept the Brave’s scoring rate in check.
The Brave were eventually bowled out for 129 runs for the loss of nine wickets after completing their allotted 100 balls, a score that left MI London with a realistic, albeit challenging, chase. MI London’s chase got off to a shaky start.
Their openers, James Vince and Nicholas Pooran, fell in quick succession, both dismissed for ducks by the incisive spell of Marcus Stoinis, who claimed figures of 3 for 17. The early wickets put immediate pressure on the visitors, as they found themselves three down without any runs on the board. In such circumstances, the middle order needed to regroup quickly. Captain Sam Curran rose to the occasion, playing a composed innings of 30 runs off 29 balls.
His steadying presence at the crease helped to anchor the chase. He was ably supported by the dynamic opening batsman Will Jacks, who produced a scintillating 54 runs off just 41 deliveries, blending power hitting with clever placement.
Sherfane Rutherford also contributed a quickfire 21 runs off 12 balls, adding much‑needed momentum. Despite these efforts, Southern Brave fought back fiercely, tightening the field and taking crucial wickets, which left MI London needing six runs from the final five balls. The tension escalated when Rashid Khan, who had been a key bowler for the Brave, was dismissed, leaving veteran New Zealand pacer Trent Boult at the crease.
With three runs required from the last three balls, Boult displayed composure by taking a single, thereby handing the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a former England batsman known for his ability to handle pressure, faced the final delivery. He chose a classic slice, sending the ball racing into the outfield where it crossed the boundary line, securing the winning two runs and sealing a dramatic victory for MI London. This win propelled MI London up to third place in The Hundred standings, putting them level on points with the league leaders, Manchester Super Giants, albeit having played one more match.
The result also marked a significant boost for the franchise, highlighting their depth in both batting and bowling departments. Conversely, Southern Brave suffered their third consecutive defeat, slipping to second‑last in the table and prompting questions about their strategy moving forward. Looking ahead, the league continues to generate excitement with upcoming fixtures such as the Sunrisers Leeds versus Manchester Super Giants double‑header, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:00 pm.
Fans can also follow the latest tables, squad updates for the 2026 season, and exclusive streaming options on NOW, ensuring they stay connected to every twist and turn of The Hundred. The competition remains a showcase for emerging talent and seasoned internationals alike, promising more thrilling encounters as the season progresses.