Stirling leads from the front as Brave lift men’s Hundred crown

Paul Stirling clattered six sixes in an entertaining 61 off 36 balls to lead the Southern Brave to the inaugural men’s title of The Hundred with a 32-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Lord’s.

The Irishman’s half-century was complemented by an unbeaten 44 off 19 balls from Ross Whiteley to set an imposing total of 169.

The Phoenix threatened to chase that down as England international Liam Livingstone smashed 46 off 19 balls until he was brilliantly run out by Tim David.

Livingstone hit four fours and four sixes before being caught out by a direct hit by David from out close to the boundary.

“To get a direct hit is probably the only way you can get Livie out at the moment,” said Brave captain James Vince.

“In big games you need bits and pieces like that to go your way.”

ALSO READ: Oval Invincibles romp to first women’s Hundred title

The Brave started the new format of 100 balls per side with two defeats, but five straight wins saw them qualify for Friday’s eliminator where they thrashed Trent Rockets to reach the final.

“We manged to turn it around in a short competition,” added Vince.

“I think the whole way through the tournament the atmosphere in the grounds has been fantastic. Tonight a final at Lord’s, on a Saturday night, it doesn’t get much better.”

Phoenix captain Moeen Ali followed shortly after Livingstone for 36 off 30 and the chase never recovered against the Brave’s collection of fast bowlers.

“We felt at the end they got 15, 20 runs too many,” said Moeen. “I think in all three aspects they were better than us tonight, but as long as Livie was there we had a chance. I thought he was unbelievable tonight.”