Ollie Pope delivered the decisive blow for MI London, striking the winning runs on the very last delivery to clinch a nail‑biting three‑wicket triumph over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The finish was as dramatic as any in the short‑format tournament, with Pope’s boundary sealing a 129‑9 target that had been defended with great resilience by the home side.
The innings for Southern Brave began brightly, thanks to the aggressive opening knock from Jamie Smith. The young wicket‑keeper‑batter, who also keeps wickets for England in the Test arena, smashed 49 runs from just 26 balls, showcasing a blend of power and timing that kept the opposition on the back foot.
Unfortunately for Smith, he fell just short of the coveted half‑century, a disappointment that nevertheless underscored his growing credentials for a permanent spot in England’s white‑ball squads. The rest of the Brave’s lineup struggled to make an impact, with Tristan Stubbs providing the only other noteworthy contribution by adding 38 runs off 31 balls. His innings, while spirited, was insufficient to propel the side to a competitive total.
Southern Brave’s total of 129 for nine wickets after exactly 100 deliveries was largely the result of disciplined bowling from MI London. The New Zealand paceman Trent Boulat (often referred to as Boult) was outstanding, returning figures of 2 for 15, while his fellow bowler Sam Curran, who also captains the side, claimed 2 for 22. Their tight lines and smart variations kept the Brave’s scoring rate in check and forced errors at crucial moments, ensuring that the target remained within reach for the visiting team.
When MI London’s innings began, the start was anything but smooth. Opening batsman James Vince was dismissed without scoring, and his partner at number three, Nicholas Pooran, fell on the very next ball to the same bowler, Marcus Stoinis, who recorded figures of 3 for 17. Those early wickets placed immediate pressure on the London side, as they lost two of their top‑order batsmen for no runs.
The tide began to turn when captain Sam Curran, a genuine all‑rounder, steadied the ship with a crisp 30 runs off 29 balls. He was ably supported by the in‑form opener Will Jacks, who hammered a rapid 54 from just 41 deliveries, and Sherfane Rutherford, who added a quickfire 21 off 12 balls.
Their partnership helped MI London recover from the early wobble and set a modest platform for the chase. However, the Brave fought back fiercely, tightening their field and taking crucial wickets, leaving MI London needing six runs from the final five balls. The climax unfolded in a series of high‑tension moments.
Rashid Khan, one of the world’s premier leg‑spinners, was dismissed, which meant that tail‑ender Trent Boult was left to face the final overs. With three runs required from the last three balls, Boult displayed composure by taking a single that handed the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a former England batsman known for his calm under pressure, responded by slicing the final delivery into the outfield, earning two runs and completing the chase.
The boundary not only secured the win but also sparked celebrations among the MI London contingent, who had endured a roller‑coaster of emotions throughout the match. The victory propels MI London up to third place on The Hundred’s league table, level on points with the leaders Manchester Super Giants, albeit having played one game fewer.
This positions them well for a potential push toward the knockout stages as the season progresses. Conversely, Southern Brave suffer their third consecutive defeat, slipping to second‑from‑bottom on the standings and highlighting the challenges they face in turning their fortunes around. Looking ahead, the upcoming fixtures promise further excitement. The latest tables in The Hundred reflect a tightly contested race, with several teams clustered around the middle of the ladder.
Fans can also anticipate the release of the 2026 Hundred squads, which will feature a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talents eager to make their mark. For viewers who missed the live action, the match and other Hundred content are available for streaming on NOW, offering on‑demand access to highlights, analysis, and full‑length replays. The platform also provides coverage of other cricketing events, ensuring that fans stay connected to the sport they love.
In addition to the men's contest, the tournament continues to showcase women's cricket, with double‑header events such as the Sunrisers Leeds versus Manchester Super Giants match slated for a 3:00 pm kickoff on Sky Sports. These fixtures underline The Hundred’s commitment to promoting gender equality in the sport and delivering high‑quality cricket to a broad audience.
Overall, the match was a testament to the unpredictable nature of The Hundred, where a single over or a single ball can swing the outcome dramatically. MI London’s resilience, highlighted by Pope’s finishing strike, combined with the disciplined bowling effort, made for a memorable encounter that will be remembered by supporters of both sides for weeks to come.