The Hundred: Ollie Pope scores winning run as MI London side Southern Braves in last-ball thriller at Southampton | cricket news

Ollie Pope scored the winning run off the last ball to lead MI London to a dramatic three-wicket win over Southern Braves at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton.

Opener Jamie Smith top-scored with 49 off 26 balls, falling agonizingly short of a half-century as the Test wicketkeeper continues to strengthen his case for a place in England’s white-ball setup. Tristan Stubbs’ 31 off 38 was the only significant contribution in an otherwise underwhelming Southern Braves innings.

Impressive bowling, particularly from Trent Boult (2-15) and Sam Curran (2-22), restricted the Braves to a disappointing 129-9 after their 100 balls.

MI London, however, struggled to settle at the crease, with opener James Vince (0) and No. 3 Nicholas Pooran (0) falling to Marcus Stoinis (3-17) in successive balls to inflict a crucial dent in the visitors’ top order.

Captain Sam Curran (30 off 29) managed to steady the ship with impressive opener Will Jacks (54 off 41) and the prolific Sheriff Rutherford (21 off 12), but the Braves bounced back, with MI London needing six off the last five balls.

Rashid Khan’s dismissal put the hosts one foot over the line when tailender Trent Boult went on strike, with MI London needing three runs off the last three balls. Boult responded with a brave single to hand the strike to Ollie Pope and the former England batsman cut the last delivery into the outfield to go back for the winning two runs to seal a thrilling victory.

The win lifted MI London into third place in The Hundred table, level on points with leaders Manchester Super Giants, albeit with a game in hand. The Southern Braves, meanwhile, fell to their third straight loss and remain second from the bottom.

What’s going on at the Hundred on Tuesday?

Sunrisers Leeds take on Manchester Supergiants in a men’s and women’s double header, live on Sky Sports from 3pm. Watch The Hundred and more now contract-free