Ollie Pope delivered the decisive runs on the very last delivery, securing a nail‑biting three‑wicket win for MI London against Southern Brave at Southampton's Utilita Bowl. The match unfolded as a classic showdown in The Hundred, with both sides trading blows before the drama reached its climax in the final over.
The innings began with Southern Brave's opener Jamie Smith providing a brisk start. Smith struck 49 runs from just 26 balls, showcasing a blend of power and timing that kept the scoreboard ticking. Unfortunately for him, the half‑century eluded his grasp, falling just one run short of the milestone. His effort, however, reinforced his credentials as a potential regular in England's limited‑overs squads, especially given his reputation as a reliable Test wicketkeeper who can adapt to the faster format.
On the opposite side, Southern Brave's middle order failed to fire, with the only other noteworthy contribution coming from Tristan Stubbs, who added 38 runs off 31 balls. Stubbs' innings was a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster chase that saw the Brave stumble to a total of 129 for nine wickets after using all 100 balls allocated to them. The low score was largely a product of disciplined bowling from MI London, particularly the incisive spells of Trent Boult and Sam Curran.
Boult returned figures of two wickets for just 15 runs, while Curran claimed two for 22, both delivering tight lines and lengths that forced the Brave into a defensive posture. When MI London began their reply, the start was anything but smooth. Their opening pair, James Vince and Nicholas Pooran, were dismissed on consecutive deliveries by Marcus Stoinis, who recorded figures of three wickets for 17 runs.
This early setback left MI London reeling at 0 for two and put immediate pressure on the middle order to rebuild the innings. Captain Sam Curran, however, steadied the ship with a quick‑fire 30 runs off 29 balls, anchoring the chase alongside a blistering performance from opener Will Jacks, who smashed 54 runs from just 41 deliveries. Jacks' aggressive stroke‑play set the tone, while Sherfane Rutherford added a swift 21 runs off 12 balls, keeping the required run rate within reach.
Despite these contributions, the Brave managed to claw back into the contest, tightening the gap and leaving MI London needing six runs from the last five balls. The tension peaked when Rashid Khan fell, handing the ball to tail‑ender Trent Boult with three runs required from three balls.
Boult, known more for his lethal left‑arm pace than his batting, displayed composure by taking a single, thereby rotating the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a seasoned former England batsman, faced the final delivery with the weight of the match on his shoulders. He executed a well‑timed slice into the outfield, sprinting back for two runs and clinching the win for MI London in dramatic fashion. This victory propels MI London up to third place in The Hundred standings, matching the points tally of league leaders Manchester Super Giants, albeit having played one game fewer.
Southern Brave, on the other hand, suffer their third consecutive defeat and find themselves perched near the bottom of the table, second from last. Beyond the immediate result, the match highlighted several broader themes within The Hundred competition. First, the importance of depth in batting line‑ups was evident; MI London's ability to recover from early wickets demonstrated the value of having multiple players capable of handling pressure situations.
Second, the impact of disciplined bowling cannot be overstated. Boult and Curran's economical spells not only restricted the Brave's total but also created crucial breakthroughs that shifted momentum. Looking ahead, MI London will aim to maintain consistency, especially against strong opponents like Manchester Super Giants and the upcoming double‑header featuring Sunrisers Leeds. Their next fixture promises a test of both skill and strategy, as they seek to convert their current standing into a top‑four finish and secure a place in the knockout stages.
For Southern Brave, the focus will be on rebuilding confidence and addressing the batting deficiencies that have led to successive losses. The team will need to find ways to convert solid starts, like Jamie Smith's near‑half‑century, into larger totals, and to support their middle order with more aggressive intent.
Fans can continue to follow the latest tables, squad announcements for the 2026 season, and live coverage of The Hundred on platforms such as NOW and Sky Sports. The competition remains a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned professionals, offering a fresh, fast‑paced format that continues to attract viewers worldwide.