Ollie Pope delivered the decisive strike on the very last ball, guiding MI London to a nail‑biting three‑wicket win over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The climax came after a tense chase, with Pope's final hit sealing a 2‑run victory that will be remembered by fans of the franchise for weeks to come. The innings began with Southern Brave’s opener Jamie Smith providing the early spark. Smith hammered 49 runs from just 26 deliveries, 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 set a solid platform for the Brave. Smith’s performance also reinforced his growing reputation as a potential candidate for England’s limited‑overs squads, adding weight to the arguments of selectors who have been monitoring his progress.
For Southern Brave, the only other substantial contribution came from Tristan Stubbs, who added 38 runs off 31 balls. Stubbs attempted to keep the run rate healthy, but beyond his effort the rest of the Brave line‑up struggled to make an impact, resulting in a modest total of 129 for 9 wickets after the allotted 100 balls. The team’s inability to build partnerships meant they never truly threatened the opposition’s bowlers. The bowling spell from MI London was a key factor in restricting the Brave.
New Zealand pacer Trent Boult was exceptional, returning figures of 2 for 15, while England all‑rounder Sam Curran also shone with 2 for 22. Their disciplined lines and lengths, combined with subtle variations, kept the Brave batsmen under constant pressure and prevented any late‑innings surge that might have altered the match dynamics.
When MI London began their chase, the start was anything but smooth. Their top order faltered early as opener James Vince was dismissed without scoring, followed immediately by No.
3 Nicholas Pooran, who also fell for a duck. Both wickets fell to Marcus Stoinis, whose spell of 3 for 17 dismantled the initial momentum and left MI London reeling at 0 for 2. Captain Sam Curran, however, steadied the ship.
He played a composed innings of 30 runs off 29 balls, rotating the strike and anchoring the chase. Partnering him was the aggressive opener Will Jacks, who produced a dazzling 54 runs from just 41 deliveries, displaying a mix of boundary hitting and quick singles that kept the required run rate in check.
Sherfane Rutherford also contributed a swift 21 off 12 balls, adding valuable momentum as the innings progressed. Despite these efforts, the Brave managed to claw back into the game, tightening the gap and leaving MI London needing six runs from the final five balls. The tension escalated when Rashid Khan was dismissed, handing the strike to tail‑ender Trent Boult with three runs required from three balls. Boult, known more for his bowling than his batting, displayed composure by taking a single, thereby handing the responsibility to Ollie Pope.
Pope, a former England batsman with a reputation for calm under pressure, faced the final delivery. He chose to slice the ball toward the outfield, a shot that raced past the fielders and resulted in two runs, securing the win for MI London.
The final moments were a testament to the high‑stakes nature of The Hundred, where every ball can dramatically alter the outcome. The victory propels MI London up to third place on The Hundred’s league table, putting them level on points with the leaders, Manchester Super Giants, albeit with one game in hand. This positioning underscores the competitive balance of the tournament and highlights MI London’s potential to challenge for the title as the season progresses.
Conversely, Southern Brave suffer their third consecutive defeat, slipping to second‑from‑bottom on the standings. Their recent form raises questions about their batting depth and ability to chase under pressure, issues they will need to address quickly if they hope to avoid a relegation‑type scenario. Looking ahead, the upcoming fixtures promise further excitement. The next double‑header features Sunrisers Leeds taking on Manchester Super Giants in both the men’s and women’s competitions, broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:00 pm.
Fans can also stay up‑to‑date with the latest tables, squad announcements for the 2026 season, and exclusive streaming options on NOW, which offers contract‑free access to The Hundred and additional cricket content. The Hundred continues to attract a growing audience, thanks to its fast‑paced format, innovative rules, and the presence of international stars.
As teams like MI London and Manchester Super Giants vie for the top spot, the league showcases a blend of emerging talent and seasoned professionals, creating a dynamic environment where any side can triumph on a given day. In summary, Ollie Pope’s last‑ball heroics encapsulated the drama and unpredictability that define The Hundred.
MI London’s resilience after a shaky start, combined with disciplined bowling and strategic batting partnerships, ultimately secured a memorable win. The result reshapes the league table, fuels the title race, and sets the stage for more thrilling encounters as the competition moves toward its climax.