³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Ffion Wynne
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport cricket writer

Alex Davies' fine half-century and Tim David's superb cameo of 19 from six balls led Southern Brave to an unlikely victory over second-place Trent Rockets.

Defending champions Brave, who would have been eliminated from The Hundred had they lost, looked on course for defeat with 66 needed off 30 balls.

But Davies' unbeaten 51 and David's last-gasp heroics saw them win by six wickets with five balls to spare.

On a slow pitch, Trent Rockets made 138-6 batting first, Dawid Malan continuing his fine form as the competition's leading run scorer with another half-century.

In reply, Brave's batters also struggled to find rhythm as the bowlers dominated.

But Davies fought hard and ran brilliantly between the wickets, only hitting two boundaries in a superb partnership of 71 with Ross Whiteley.

David then smashed two sixes and a four to lead his side to victory in front of a joyous Ageas Bowl crowd.

Trent Rockets need to win their final game against bottom of the table Welsh Fire to secure a place in the knockout stages, while Brave still need several other results to go their way.

Here's what also happened:

• Brave spinner Paul Stirling took the prized wicket of Rockets opener Alex Hales for just eight.

• Rockets batter Samit Patel smashed two sixes in his entertaining cameo of 21 from 15 balls.
• Both Stirling and James Vince fell for ducks but Davies and Whiteley, who made 30, took the game deep for Brave before David's big-hitting finale.

What's next?

• Trent Rockets take on winless Welsh Fire on Monday 29 August as they aim to secure qualification, while Southern Brave take on Northern Superchargers on Wednesday 31 August.

Southern Brave captain James Vince speaking to Sky Sports: "The pitch was incredibly tough to bat on but gave us a great game of cricket.

"Alex Davies did a lot of hard work to get to a point where Tim David could come in only needing to hit a couple.

"The advantage of bowling first on a pitch like that is you know what you've got to chase. But the disadvantage is the other team has a look and knows what works. They took pace off but luckily the guys out there came up with an answer.

"We bat really deep. It's our strength at the minute. Although it's a used wicket in tough conditions, batting is still our strength.

"The way Alex Davies plays, it's incredibly tough to be consistent but he has been. If he gets on a great run of form he can win us two or three games. He's shown what he can do tonight.

"The crowd have been incredible. It's nice to finish off at home with a close win like that.

"There's a lot of hunger from the boys to still win games. There's a lot of spirit in the camp, we're not going to just roll over."

Jack: How on earth have Southern Brave gone and won this! They were gone, down and out with 25 balls to go! This is madness.

That winning feeling.

Image source, Getty Images

Southern Brave Match Hero Alex Davies to Sky Sports: "It wasn't one of the best innings I've ever played but I just had to get the boys over the line.

"Ross and Tim should be here with me, without their knocks we don't win. Those partnerships were so important. We haven't been too good at home so this was important.

"We always have to play after [the women's team] and they always win, it makes us look bad. So it was nice to get a win."

Trent Rockets will still be confident of progression despite the defeat - with the top three teams reaching the knockout stage.

But their hopes of finishing top and claiming a bye into the final have taken a big hit.

Southern Brave, meanwhile, must win their final game at Northern Superchargers and hope about three or four other results go their way.

Image source, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sport

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio

For 80% of this game Southern Brave looked off it.

For the majority of that innings it didn't look easy batting. It needed that innings from Alex Davies to allow Tim David and Ross Whiteley to play with a bit more freedom.

Henry Moeran
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio

For Trent Rockets that will be a blow. They could have gone top with a win.

Tim David seals the win in style with a lovely pull shot for four as the Brave win with five balls to spare.

What a contribution he made - 19 runs off just six balls, including two sixes, after coming in cold right at the death.

Alex Davies anchored the innings with a very well-compiled 51. Ross Whiteley added a useful 30 too.

Southern Brave live to fight another day - they still need a lot of help to qualify for the final stages but they remain in with a chance, albeit a small one.

Henry Moeran
³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio

There will be some noise when this final run is taken.

David hits two and the scores are tied. He's on 15 off five balls.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio

Coming in, not having faced any, to hit two over the ropes, unbelievable.

Brave 136-4published at 7 balls left

7 balls left

And another maximum from David! That's the game surely? Just three needed off seven.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio

It had to happen after I said that.

Brave 130-4published at 8 balls left

8 balls left

You wouldn't now, Tom.

Tim David finds the crowd with a massive hit. Now just nine runs needed off eight.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio

I still think I'd rather be in Trent Rockets' situation.

Luke Wood in for his fourth and final set.

A great first ball as new batter Tim David swings and misses. Dot balls are big now.

A quick single off Cook's final ball of the set. 15 needed off 10 balls.

Tom Abell
Somerset all-rounder on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ radio

Just when you think they're cruising to victory. He's been striking the ball so well. Did he need to do that? It's a huge wicket and more important, it's a dot ball as well.