Birmingham Phoenix pulled off a stunning chase in The Hundred 2025 as Liam Livingstone dismantled Rashid Khan and led his side to a four-wicket win over Oval Invincibles at Edgbaston. Chasing 181, Phoenix needed 61 from 25 balls when Livingstone launched an assault on one of the best white-ball spinners in the world.
The Afghanistan leg-spinner, often used to shut down big chases, conceded 26 runs in a five-ball set, including three sixes and two fours. It was the most expensive over in The Hundred and part of Rashid’s career-worst T20 figures of 0 for 59 in 20 balls. The previous worst was 55 runs in an IPL 2018 match against Kings XI Punjab.
The onslaught changed the equation to 35 off 20 balls. Despite a tense last set where two wickets fell, Phoenix sealed the win with two balls to spare.
Livingstone’s Captain’s Knock Seals Victory
Livingstone finished unbeaten on 69 off just 27 deliveries, smashing five sixes in a breathtaking innings. His composure under pressure helped Phoenix claim their first win of the tournament.
“We needed it, it’s been a bit of a disappointing start to the tournament,” Livingstone said. “It’s nice to lead from the front and hopefully that gives the boys a bit of momentum and a bit of confidence.”
“I was trying to be there at the end, it’s something I haven’t done a lot of in my career, so it was in the back of my mind, but we still needed to take some risks. It’s an incredible win from where we were.”
Invincibles’ Batting Lifted by Ferreira
Batting first, Oval Invincibles had a poor start at 34 for 3 after losing Will Jacks, Sam Curran, and Jordan Cox early. South Africa Donovan Ferreira then launched a counterattack, scoring 63 off 29 balls, including a towering six off Tim Southee. Rashid Khan added 16 off 6 before Dan Mousley’s costly penultimate set of 25 runs pushed the total to 180 for 8.
Phoenix’s Chase Turns With Livingstone’s Assault
Phoenix began cautiously, losing Ben Duckett early. Will Smeed struck 51 off 29 before falling to Nathan Sowter. The innings wavered again before Livingstone’s onslaught against Rashid Khan turned the match.
With three runs needed from five balls, Saqib Mahmood dismissed Dan Mousley and Louis Kimber in consecutive deliveries. However, Benny Howell drove the next ball through the covers to clinch a dramatic victory.
Livingstone was named the Meerkat Match Hero for a match-winning display that lifted Phoenix off the bottom and reignited their campaign in The Hundred 2025.
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