The Hundred 2024: Southern Brave reach men's final after Super Five drama

Birmingham Phoenix looked destined to return to Lord's to face Oval Invincibles but Akeal Hosein and Jofra Archer had other ideas

ECB Media | 17/08/2024 at 21:30

Kia Oval: Southern Brave 126-6, Birmingham Phoenix 126-7 - match tied (Southern Brave won Super Five)

Southern Brave beat Birmingham Phoenix in a thrilling Super Five contest at the Kia Oval to book their place in The Hundred final at Lord's.

Chris Jordan was the match-winner in a nerve-shredding encounter, hitting 10 from three balls to surpass Phoenix's total of seven from their Super Five.

Liam Livingstone had looked set to take Phoenix to The Hundred final with his 55, but when he fell in the final five balls of his side's innings, Akeal Hosein defended three from three to bring around the first-ever Super Five in The Hundred.

In the first innings of the match, James Vince made 43 for Southern Brave and Leus du Plooy 39. Jordan (20*) struck two sixes in the final set bowled by Sean Abbott which would ultimately prove crucial – a taste of things to come from the bat of the England all-rounder.

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Liam Livingstone looked set to guide Birmingham Phoenix to victory (ECB via Getty Images)

Phoenix's run chase got off to a slow start but with contributions from captain Moeen Ali (24) and Jacob Bethell (17) the Birmingham side began to close down on the target.

Livingstone was in full control – hitting Jofra Archer out of the ground – but his dismissal and some late drama saw the scores level at 126 apiece.

Batting first in the five-balls-per-side contest, Livingstone was unable to atone for his late dismissal – falling first ball, flashing a full toss from Archer to backward point.

Jacob Bethell smashed the second ball wide of long-on for four, but no more boundaries were forthcoming – leaving Jordan and Pollard needing to surpass seven.

Jordan got a slice of luck to inside-edge his first delivery for four behind square on the leg-side and followed up with a two and a four to see Brave make The Hundred final for the second time.