Tim Southee’s Stellar Bowling Guides Phoenix to Victory

Tim Southee delivered a remarkable performance with figures of 5-12, leading Birmingham Phoenix to a crucial six-wicket victory over Trent Rockets at Edgbaston. The New Zealand seamer made an early impact by dismissing Tom Banton and Joe Root, then claimed three more wickets in the final five balls of the innings, restricting the Rockets to 118 runs. Although a review denied him a hat-trick after John Turner initially received an lbw decision, Southee’s performance stands as the second-best in The Hundred men’s competition.

Tom Alsop, who made a solid debut for the Rockets, scored 51 from 37 balls before Tim Southee dismissed him. Despite the pressure from Rockets’ bowlers Turner and Luke Wood, who also threatened hat-tricks, Phoenix struggled at 52-4 in their chase. However, Liam Livingstone (30* from 32 balls) and Jacob Bethell forged a key partnership with their unbeaten 68-run stand securing victory with seven balls to spare. Birmingham Phoenix’s win moved them to third place and kept their eliminator hopes alive.

Meanwhile, the Rockets now face elimination. The match saw five players on hat-tricks: Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ashleigh Gardner in the women’s game and Southee, Wood and Turner in the men’s.  None of them managed to complete their hat-tricks. Birmingham Phoenix all-rounder Liam Livingstone praised Jacob Bethell, highlighting his talent and composure. Livingstone emphasized the importance of teamwork in their win, regardless of the challenges faced during the chase.

On Tuesday, Northern Superchargers will host London Spirit in a double-header. The women’s match starts at 15:00 BST, followed by the men’s game at 18:30. Both matches will air live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, with coverage beginning at 14:45. Ball-by-ball commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website and app.