Liam Livingstone’s Blitz Secures Birmingham Phoenix Their First Win of The Hundred Season
The Invincibles had set what seemed a daunting target, posting 180 for 8 in their 100 balls. Notable with that score were Donovan Ferreira’s 63 off 29 balls and Jordan Cox’s 44, both of whom provided the bulk of their side’s middle-order resurgence after early collapses.
Phoenix’s reply began under pressure. Openers were dismissed cheaply, and it was left to Will Smeed, with a well-crafted half-century (51 off 29), and Joe Clarke to steady the ship. But it was Livingstone who truly ignited the chase with a breathtaking assault aimed particularly at Rashid Khan. The leg-spinner, considered one of the world’s best in the format, went horribly expensive—conceding 59 runs in his full quota of 20 balls, his worst T20 figure ever.
In an unforgettable five-ball sequence against Rashid, Livingstone dispatched 4, 6, 6, 6, and 4—a devastating 26-run barrage that completely shifted momentum. Overall, he struck seven fours and five sixes, finishing with a strike rate north of 255—an urgent, confident innings that denied any Invincibles’ resurgence.
As the chase reached its climax, Saqib Mahmood struck twice in successive deliveries, reducing the equation to an edge-of-the-seat situation. But Benny Howell rose to the occasion, smashing the hat-trick ball through the cover—sealing a dramatic 182 for 6 in 98 balls, with two balls to spare.
Cricket pundits quickly labelled Livingstone the “Meerkat Match Hero,” crediting his fightback as the catalyst for Phoenix’s breakthrough win. Reflecting on the performance, he remarked that the team needed this win after a disappointing start to the tournament and expressed hope that his leadership and risk-taking would inject confidence into the squad for the matches ahead.
With this high-octane victory, Birmingham Phoenix not only found their rhythm but also delivered a statement—one of power, precision, and panache. Their next assignment will see them travel to Headingley to face the Northern Superchargers, carrying newfound momentum after this explosive turnaround.
Brief recap of key stats:
- Oval Invincibles posted 180/8, driven by Ferreira (63 off 29) and Cox (44)
- Birmingham Phoenix chased it down with 182/6 in 98 balls
- Liam Livingstone: 69* off 27 (7 fours, 5 sixes), including brutal assault on Rashid Khan
- Rashid Khan: 0/59 in 20 balls (career-worst T20 figure)
- Will Smeed: 51 off 29, key support for Livingstone’s blitz
Livingstone’s masterclass underscores his reputation as one of cricket’s most explosive white-ball talents—and gives Phoenix fans renewed optimism for the rest of the Hundred.