Ollie Pope delivered the decisive runs on the very last delivery, guiding MI London to a nail‑biting three‑wicket win against Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. The climax of the match unfolded in a dramatic fashion, with Pope’s finishing strike clinching the game in front of a buzzing crowd. The innings began with Southern Brave’s opener Jamie Smith providing the most substantial contribution for his side, compiling 49 runs off just 26 balls.
Smith fell just short of a half‑century, but his aggressive intent set the tone for the Brave’s chase. As a Test‑level wicketkeeper, Smith’s performance continued to bolster his argument for inclusion in England’s limited‑overs squads. The only other notable effort from the Brave came from Tristan Stubbs, who added 38 runs from 31 balls, attempting to keep the total within reach.
Southern Brave’s total, however, was heavily restrained by a disciplined bowling display from MI London. New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult proved lethal, returning figures of 2 for 15, while England’s all‑rounder Sam Curran also claimed two wickets for 22 runs.
Their combined pressure forced the Brave into a modest 129 for 9 after the allotted 100 balls, a score that left MI London with a clear, albeit challenging, target. When MI London began their chase, they stumbled early. Opening batsman James Vince was dismissed without scoring, and the next batsman, Nicholas Pooran, also fell for a duck on the very next ball.
Both dismissals came at the hands of Marcus Stoinis, who recorded figures of 3 for 17, delivering a severe blow to the visiting side’s top order. The situation began to improve when captain Sam Curran steadied the innings, contributing a brisk 30 runs off 29 deliveries. He was ably supported by the in‑form opener Will Jacks, who smashed 54 runs from just 41 balls, and by Sherfane Rutherford, who added a rapid 21 runs from only 12 balls. Their partnership steadied the ship and brought the required run rate back under control.
Yet, the Brave fought back, and the match tightened to the point where MI London required six runs from the final five balls. In a tense finish, Rashid Khan was dismissed, leaving tail‑ender Trent Boult on strike with three runs needed from three balls.
Boult displayed composure, taking a single to rotate the strike to Ollie Pope. Pope, a former England batsman, then faced the final delivery.
He sliced the ball through the outfield, racing to the non‑striker’s end for two runs, which proved enough to secure the win. The final two runs not only sealed the match but also sparked jubilant celebrations among the MI London camp.
The triumph propels MI London up to third place on The Hundred league table, putting them level on points with leaders Manchester Super Giants, although they have played one game more than the Giants. Southern Brave, on the other hand, endure their third consecutive loss and find themselves second from the bottom of the standings. Looking ahead, the competition remains wide open. The latest tables reflect a tightly contested race, with several teams still within striking distance of the top spot.
Fans can also anticipate the release of the 2026 Hundred squad lists, which will shape the remainder of the season. For those who missed the live action, the matches are available to stream on NOW, alongside other Hundred content and related video highlights. In addition to the men’s fixture, the programme also includes a men’s and women’s double‑header featuring Sunrisers Leeds versus Manchester Super Giants, broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:00 pm.
This double‑header offers a further opportunity for supporters to engage with the fast‑paced, entertainment‑focused format that The Hundred continues to deliver. Overall, the match showcased a blend of high‑octane batting, incisive bowling, and a finish that will be remembered for its sheer excitement.
MI London’s ability to recover from early setbacks and execute under pressure highlights their growing stature in the competition, while Southern Brave will need to regroup quickly if they hope to reverse their recent slide. The tournament’s narrative continues to evolve, promising more thrilling encounters as the season progresses.