9 wicket loss vs Trent Rockets

On the opening Saturday of the competition, Southern Brave travelled to Trent Bridge to take on the Rockets. In what was a disappointing first match for the Ages Bowl-based side, they faced up against an in-form Marchant de Lange. He took five wickets in the innings as Trent Rockets reached their target of 127 in 82 balls. Ross Whiteley’s score of 39 was the standout performance for the visiting team.

18 run loss vs Welsh Fire

Just three days later and Brave were once again on the road. This time Sophia Gardens and Welsh Fire awaited them. The home side scored a brilliant 165, with Jonny Bairstow top scoring. He got 72 from just 39 balls. Southern Brave began their innings well. James Vince top scored with 40, but with bowlers, Craig Overton and Danny Briggs at the crease, they couldn’t quite get over the line.

4 wicket win vs Birmingham Phoenix

When Brave played their first match in front of a home crowd, they won the toss and put Birmingham Phoenix into bat. As was the case throughout the competition, Liam Livingstone was on top form. He finished on 68 not out as Brave only managed to take three wickets. Brave lost six batters in their innings, but a real captains performance from Vince guided his team to their first victory.

4 run win vs London Spirit

The Southampton-based team headed to Lord’s next to take on Spirit. Batting first, Alex Davies stood out as the top scorer. It was a slower innings, but his 50 from 40 balls proved to be crucial. It seemed as if Spirit were heading for an easy win as Adam Rossington and Josh Inglis scored 45 and 55 respectively. But then George Garton and Chris Jordan took two wickets apiece as Brave won by four runs! It was also the match in which Quinton de Kock took THAT catch.

No result vs Manchester Originals

5 wicket win vs Northern Superchargers

A low scoring match was on the table as The Ageas Bowl hosted Brave and Northern Superchargers. It was a positive bowling day for the home team as five different players took wickets. It was then time for the Quinton de Kock show. His 72 (not out) from 45 balls featured 9 fours and a six and took his team within one point of Men’s leaders, the Superchargers.

8 wicket win vs Welsh Fire

Another home match and another win for the Brave! They kept the Welsh Fire batters relatively quiet - Tom Banton hit the most runs with 36. Vince and de Kock both passed 50 in an 86 run partnership. Paul Stirling came into the side for his debut and went big. They reached their target with 13 balls to spare and went to the top of the standings table. That result also meant that Welsh Fire could not qualify for the Eliminators.

6 wicket win vs Oval Invincibles

Sending the opposition into bat again, Southern Brave restricted their visitors to another low total. The Invincibles made 134. Brave knew that a win would guarantee them a top three finish, so two early wickets of de Kock and Paul Stirling might have worried them. But Alex Davies and Colin de Grandhomme eventually steadied the ship, winning by six wickets with five balls left!

7 wicket win vs Trent Rockets

The Eliminator. Victory meant a place in the following days final against Birmingham Phoenix. Trent Rockets batted first and what followed was Brave dominance. The Southern team rattled through their opponents and took all 10 wickets - the first time they’d achieve that in the competition. Tymal Mills’ 3-8 was a particular standout. James Vince top scored in the following innings and Brave secured their place at Lord’s.

32 run win vs Birmingham Phoenix

In the first match that Brave batted first since they took on London Spirit, two quick innings from Paul Stirling and Ross Whiteley helped them to a good total of 168. Stirling hit 6 sixes in the only score of the Final day that passed 50. Two wickets in the first 20 balls looked to put Brave on the front foot. Moeen Ali and Liam Livingstone looked to have control, but a freak run out that saw Tim David remove Livingstone turned the match. Phoenix failed to up their rate and fell 32 runs short of their target. That left Southern Brave with one thing to do - lift that trophy!