The Hundred 2025Cricket HighlightsCricket NewsEngland PlayersInternational CricketInternational MatchesJamie SmithKane WilliamsonLondon SpiritMatch HighlightsNew Zealand CricketersThe Hundred
Jamie Smith, Kane Williamson Power London Spirit to Thumping Win Over Southern Brave
Spirit Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Clinical Performance
London Spirit registered a much-needed 47-run victory over Southern Brave to keep their playoff hopes alive in The Hundred 2025. The result has not only given Spirit a lifeline in their race for the third qualification spot but also confirmed the progression of Oval Invincibles and Northern Superchargers into the knockout stages.
The victory was shaped by attacking performances from Jamie Smith and captain Kane Williamson, who set the platform with fearless stroke play, while the bowlers ensured Southern Brave’s chase never took off.
Strong Batting Foundation Set by Jamie Smith and David Warner
Jamie Smith’s Explosive Start
London Spirit began on the front foot, thanks to a dynamic opening stand between Jamie Smith and David Warner, who added 66 runs for the first wicket. Warner got things underway with an early boundary, but it was Smith who stole the show.
Smith took on Craig Overton in a fiery set, smashing two fours and a six, before continuing the assault with maximums against Jofra Archer and Reece Topley. His 18-ball blitz of 44 runs gave Spirit the perfect launchpad despite Warner falling for a mistimed reverse sweep.
Within just a couple of deliveries, Spirit lost both openers as Smith was dismissed by Michael Bracewell, who grabbed 2/26 in his spell.
Williamson’s Commanding Knock Anchors the Innings
Even after losing both openers, Spirit maintained the momentum. Ashton Turner came in with intent, attacking Craig Overton once again. Meanwhile, skipper Kane Williamson eased into his innings with a boundary off a reverse sweep, before stepping up his tempo.
In vintage fashion, Williamson played smart cricket, mixing orthodox strokes with calculated aggression. He struck two big sixes — one off Bracewell and another off his Kiwi teammate Archer — to dominate the middle overs. Turner’s dismissal slowed proceedings briefly, but Williamson continued unfazed, bringing up a well-crafted half-century (53 runs) that ensured Spirit’s total moved toward a commanding 186/4 in 100 balls.
Lower-order cameos provided finishing touches, with Spirit setting a total far beyond par on the surface.
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Brave Falter in Run Chase Against Disciplined Bowling
The Southern Brave, facing a daunting chase of 187, had a disastrous start. Both openers departed for single-digit scores, leaving the side reeling under pressure. Jason Roy counterattacked with a quick-fire 23-ball 37, but just when Brave looked to rebuild, Liam Dawson struck, dismissing Roy and James Coles in quick succession.
From 71/4, the collapse continued despite an entertaining cameo from Laurie Evans, who struck four sixes but lacked support. The lower order crumbled as Richard Gleeson (3/30), Dawson (3/23), and Jamie Overton ripped through the Brave lineup.
Eventually, the Brave folded for just 139 runs in 92 deliveries, falling 47 short of the target.
Brief Scores
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London Spirit: 186/4 in 100 balls (Kane Williamson 53, Jamie Smith 44; Michael Bracewell 2/26)
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Southern Brave: 139 all out in 92 balls (Laurie Evans 37; Liam Dawson 3/23, Richard Gleeson 3/30)
Result: London Spirit won by 47 runs
Key Takeaways From the Match
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Jamie Smith’s explosive 44 set the tone for Spirit’s innings.
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Kane Williamson’s captain’s knock of 53 anchored the middle overs.
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Liam Dawson and Richard Gleeson delivered with the ball, combining for six wickets.
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Spirit’s big win keeps them alive in the playoff hunt, while Brave are in a must-win situation in their final group match.
For international readers wanting complete stats, standings, and fixtures of The Hundred 2025, visit the official ECB website.
