Match Center

Right then, this is it from Match 24 which ended up as a sure-shot blockbuster. Southern Brave have almost confirmed their qualification for the playoffs with this nail-biting win. Whereas, the Trent Rockets might be gutted deeply to have lost the game which was once in their grasp. But don’t you worry, folks, the entertainment doesn't stop here! We have another game lined up for ya! Up next is Match number 25 which will feature Tom Abell’s Welsh Fire going up against Moeen Ali’s Birmingham Phoenix at the Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Both teams are stacked up at the bottom half of the table and are itching to get those two vital points to their name. Surely, it promises to be another blockbuster clash of this English summer, eh! That game will begin shortly at 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT). Do switch the tabs to follow the pre-match build-up. But from here, cheers, and ADIOS!

Kieron Pollard is adjudged as the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning batting performance. He began by acknowledging that he had to break free at some point, noting that he was pretty slow to start. He explained that the wicket was tough, holding up a bit, which made it challenging. Knowing he had to target someone, he chose Rashid Khan, who had bowled well in the previous set. He mentioned that he has played against Rashid plenty of times and that while Rashid has gotten the better of him on several occasions, this time, it was crucial to take him on. He observed how Rashid was bowling, and when three fuller deliveries came into his arc, he capitalized on them. He admitted that he was just lucky to have a good day against a quality bowler like Rashid Khan.

... THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ...

The Rockets chose to bat first on what looked like a run-friendly pitch. Tom Banton started aggressively, but after a promising 46-run opening stand, the team had to rebuild. Vince's strategic bowling changes, especially introducing spinners, helped control the run rate. The Rockets' middle order got starts, but regular wickets prevented substantial partnerships. As the innings progressed, the pitch seemed to slow down, making aggressive shotmaking more difficult. This led to a decreased scoring rate in the final overs. Despite a few dropped catches, the Brave's death bowling was exceptional. Jordan and Mills, in particular, bowled brilliantly at the end, further tightening the screws and limiting the Rockets' final push for runs. The Rockets might have felt that they were 20-25 runs short of a competitive total.

Just as the Rockets seemed to have the game under control, their efforts unravelled spectacularly. Rashid Khan's final set was mercilessly plundered, opening the floodgates for a streak of runs. The match, once firmly in the Rockets' grasp, suddenly slipped out of their claws. But cricket, true to its unpredictable nature, had one last twist in store. The game went down to the wire with Pollard's dramatic run out, injecting a fresh dose of tension into the proceedings. Lewis Gregory shouldered the responsibility of defending five runs in the final set, but it was Chris Jordan who had the last laugh. With ice in his veins, Jordan finished the game in style.

The Rockets initially struggled to contain the Brave's openers and were taken to the cleaners. However, the tide turned with Rashid Khan's crafty spell. The Afghan spinner's guile built pressure, setting the stage for Sam Cook to make the crucial breakthrough. This wicket opened the floodgates, triggering a domino effect as the Rockets' bowlers found their rhythm. John Turner tore through the Brave's middle order with a fiery spell of fast bowling, bagging three crucial wickets. The Rockets maintained their stranglehold, conceding only singles for the next few sets.

With the Brave in trouble and boundaries hard to come by, Kieron Pollard stepped up to the plate just the way the situation demanded of him. The big West Indian initially struggled to find his rhythm, but once he got his eye in, there was no stopping him. In a game-changing set against Rashid Khan, Pollard unleashed his raw power, smashing five consecutive sixes. This brutal assault not only rejuvenated the Brave's hopes and swung the momentum decisively in their favor. However, despite a couple of hiccups towards the last moments, it was Chris Jordan who came to the rescue and sailed them through.

The Southern Brave started their innings with a bang, mirroring the Rockets' aggressive approach. James Vince and Alex Davies took the attack to the bowlers, making full use of the hard new ball and field restrictions to pile on quick runs in the powerplay. However, just as the Brave seemed to be cruising, the game took a dramatic twist. In a stunning collapse, they lost five wickets for a mere 25 runs in just 34 balls in the mid-phase, which massively put the brakes on their scoring rate. Even the well-set Vince couldn't weather the storm, succumbing to the mounting pressure and leaving his side in dire straits.

AREN'T YOU ENTERTAINED, EH? What a spectacular game of cricket we have had at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton! It all went down to the wire zigzagging throughout back and forth, but in the end, it's the Southern Brave who tasted the victory. Emotions, passion, and fightback - we have seen it all in this match. Two sides not ready to concede until the last ball. A proper theatrical entertainer for the fans. And with this win, the Southern Brave have catapulted to the second spot with 10 points to their name.

FOUR! Chris Jordan keeps his cool and takes his side home. What a game of cricket. This is a good-length ball, angled in, around middle. Chris Jordan stays back and whips it towards deep square leg. It takes a bounce and ends up in the boundary. SOUTHERN BRAVE WIN THE MATCH BY 2 WICKETS.

Shorter one, around middle. Jordan looks to pull it away but it goes back to the bowler as he drags it.

Danny Briggs is in at number 10.

OUT! RUN OUT! Trent Rockets are still fighting back here. Calvin Harrison with another moment of inspiration. This is a short ball, outside off. Jordan goes back and cuts it powerfully towards short cover. Calvin Harrison dives to his right and makes a sharp stop. Jofra Archer is down to the other end already. Lewis Gregory gets the ball and dislodges the bails here.

OUT! RUN OUT! Trent Rockets are still fighting back here. Calvin Harrison with another moment of inspiration. This is a short ball, outside off. Jordan goes back and cuts it powerfully towards short cover. Calvin Harrison dives to his right and makes a sharp stop. Jofra Archer is down to the other end already. Lewis Gregory gets the ball and dislodges the bails here.

Good length, around off. Archer stays back and punches it to deep point for one.

It will be the skipper of the Rockets, Lewis Gregory to bowl the final set. 5 needed off the 5 remaining deliveries.

This is full, wide outside off. Jordan reaches out and slices it towards deep point for a single. Southern Brave need 5 runs in 5. A run a ball.

Lightning quick in the middle, is Jordan! Slower one, on a length, over the top of off, Chris Jordan waits for the ball to arrive and pushes it firmly between cover and point, and shows urgency to cross for the double and just about manages to scamper back home safely.