Brave cruise to victory over struggling Phoenix

The Hundred men’s competition, Southampton

Birmingham Phoenix 106-7 (100 balls): Clarke 36 (27); Bracewell 3-10

Southern Brave 109-1 (81 balls): Du Plooy 48* (39); Howell 1-17

Southern Brave won by nine wickets

England’s Jofra Archer took 2-16 as Southern Brave comfortably beat struggling Birmingham Phoenix by nine wickets in the men’s Hundred.

Archer and New Zealand spinner Michael Bracewell, who took 3-10, restricted Phoenix to 106-7, with Joe Clarke’s 36 and Ben Duckett’s 20 the only contributions of note.

It was a formidable performance from Brave’s bowling attack, led by the pace of Archer and Chris Jordan, as they were in control throughout after winning the toss.

Duckett was caught behind off Jordan, Jacob Bethell was bowled by Bracewell for one before Archer removed Liam Livingstone for 12 and had Clarke caught at mid-off with eight balls remaining to end Phoenix’s hopes of posting a competitive total.

Brave started their chase cautiously, reaching 28-0 after the 25-ball powerplay, but increased their run-rate before James Vince was dismissed for 41 from 30 having added 75 for the first wicket with Leus du Plooy.

Du Plooy finished unbeaten on 48 from 39 balls with former England opener Jason Roy adding 18 as they cruised to their below-par target with 19 balls to spare.

Defending champions of the women’s competition London Spirit look to continue their winning run as they take on Manchester Originals at Old Trafford, starting at 15:00 BST.

The men’s game follows at 18:30 BST with Originals searching for their first win of the campaign.