The Hundred opens new frontier as Southern Brave clinch inaugural title

Liam Livingstone and Tymal Mills emerge as serious contenders for spot in England's T20 World Cup side

Captain James Vince lifts the trophy after Southern Brave were crowned champions following The Hundred men's final against Birmingham Phoenix at Lord's Cricket Ground. Getty

Southern Brave players celebrate after winning The Hundred men's final against Birmingham Phoenix. Reuters

Cricket - The Hundred Final - Men - Birmingham Phoenix v Southern Brave - Lord's Cricket Ground, London, Britain - August 21, 2021 Southern Brave players celebrate with the trophy after winning The Hundred Final Action Images via Reuters / John Sibley

Brave fielders celebrate victory over Birmingham Phoenix at Lord's. Getty

Phoenix batsman Liam Livingstone reacts after being run out during The Hundred final. Getty

Birmingham Phoenix's Liam Livingstone reacts after being dismissed. PA

Southern Brave's George Garton celebrates with Tymal Mills after taking the wicket of Birmingham Phoenix's David Bedingham. Reuters

Birmingham Phoenix's Imran Tahir celebrates after the dismissal of Southern Brave's Alex Davies. PA

Brave batsman James Vince is bowled by Imran Tahir. Getty

The inaugural Hundred competition reaching a thrilling end as Southern Brave claimed the men's title at Lord's, laying the foundation of what will hopefully be a lucrative avenue for cricketers.

Paul Stirling saved his best for the final as the Ireland batsman blasted 61 from 36 balls to help the Brave post 168-5 from their allotted 100 balls against Birmingham Phoenix.

Birmingham quickly lost steam in their chase, with only England international Liam Livingstone, who hit 46 off 19 balls before being run out, putting up a serious challenge.

Even though he ended up on the losing side, Livingstone was named player of the tournament after topping the charts with 348 runs from nine innings. His performance also put him in contention for a spot in the starting XI for England at this year's T20 World Cup in the UAE.

But for now, Livingstone is glad for the opportunity the 100-ball tournament has provided to players, and the entertainment it has delivered to fans across the country.

"It has been years of hard work travelling around the world playing in different franchise tournaments. And now it's great to have our own here," Livingstone said. "To see so many kids here, it's been brilliant. Selling out grounds is great and hopefully it can keep growing for the future."

Following the defeat, Phoenix captain Moeen Ali said his team lost to the better side. However, he was glad with the way tournament panned out for Livingstone.

"We didn't have a lot go our way, they caught some fantastic catches, the run out of Livi was massive," Moeen said.

"His confidence is only getting more and more, and I think the way he's playing is right up there with the best players in the world at the moment. I know it's domestic cricket and he's done it for England as well now. He is getting more consistent and I think he's going to win a lot more games for England going forward. In the World Cup, I'm sure he'll be there."

Another players who excelled in the final was England and Southern Brave left-arm quick Tymal Mills, who gave away just 13 runs from his 20 balls. He had earlier taken 3-8 from 16 balls in the Brave's win over Trent Rockets in Friday's eliminator.

Meanwhile, the women's competition received equal billing with the men's. The Oval Invincibles took the title as they beat Southern Brave by 48 runs in front of 17,000 fans. After setting a target of 122, the Brave were bowled out for 73 with Marizanne Kapp taking three wickets.

"It is so historical and special," Invincibles skipper Dane Van Niekerk said. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to take in playing here. It was a childhood dream to play a final here and win it. It is special."