In the 28th match The Hundred 2024, Tim Southee‘s exceptional bowling performance led Birmingham Phoenix to a comprehensive victory over Trent Rockets.
The standout moment of the match came when Southee, delivering the 21st ball of the first innings, dismissed Joe Root, one of England’s premier batsmen, for his lowest score of the competition.
Tim Southee dismisses Joe Root
Root, who managed just 2 runs from 4 balls, was caught out by Sean Abbott after being surprised by a delivery that kicked up off a fractionally short length. Root, attempting to work the ball onto the leg side, instead produced a leading edge that ballooned towards Abbott at backward point. This dismissal marked Southee’s second wicket and left Trent Rockets reeling.
Here is the video:
Birmingham Phoenix were on a team hat-trick 💥💥
☝️ Alex Hales 9 (10)
☝️ Joe Root 2 (4)#TheHundred | #RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/WTB5XdlBGz— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 12, 2024
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Southee’s five-wickets haul
Batting first, Trent Rockets struggled to gain momentum, posting a modest total of 118 runs from their allotted 100 balls. The only significant contribution came from Tom Alsop, who fought valiantly with a knock of 51 runs from 37 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes. However, the rest of the Rockets’ batting lineup faltered under the relentless pressure from Birmingham’s bowlers, with Southee leading the charge. The New Zealand pacer was in devastating form, claiming five wickets in just 20 deliveries, including 13 dot balls while conceding a mere 12 runs.
Birmingham Phoenix’s run chase
In response, Birmingham Phoenix chased down the target of 119 runs with ease, finishing at 120/4 in 93 balls. Jacob Bethell anchored the innings with a crucial unbeaten 38 off 29 balls, striking five fours and one six at a strike rate of 131.03. His composed knock ensured Phoenix’s victory by six wickets, sealing their third consecutive win in the tournament.
Southee’s match-winning performance earned him the well-deserved Man of the Match award. With this win, Birmingham Phoenix climbed to the third spot on the points table, solidifying their position as strong contenders in The Hundred 2024.
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