From that moment on Liam Livingstone put on a show for 25,000 spectators hailed as magnificent and perfect. He led their stunning upset win over the defending champions, Oval Invincibles in The Hundred. He completed the job in style, hitting 69 runs off just 27 balls. His knock of 121 off 49 balls helped Phoenix chase the target of 181 runs down, completing one of the most unexpected chases in tournament history.
The drama during that cricket match at Edgbaston was the stuff of life and limb. Phoenix had a massive task on their hands, requiring 61 runs from 24 balls with six wickets remaining. Fresh off of his successful history facing Rashid Khan, Livingstone opened up the batting with a bang. That incredible display of talent was the touchdown that won his team the championship. And hey, he clobbered 26 runs off only five deliveries from Khan. With a strike rate of 192, he is now the holder of the most brilliant performance ever against the great bowler known as the best in the world.
Beyond his freakish capabilities, Livingstone showed remarkable skill and composure throughout his innings. From Khan’s last five balls, he crashed three sixes and two fours. That opening spell was an extraordinary exhibition of his genius to toy with even the most fearsome bowlers. Against Rashid Khan in T20s, he has batted 200 runs off 102 deliveries! Unbelievably, nobody else in history has been able to touch this impressive streak.
Destructive opener Will Smeed supported Livingstone’s efforts with the bat. He made 51 runs in 29 balls at a time when making runs quickly was like gold dust. Collectively, the two proved to be an exceptional partnership that put Birmingham Phoenix in prime position for their title chase.
As the game went on, Livingstone came under some jovial ribbing from teammate Tom Curran. Curran sarcastically referred to him a “fat slob.” Livingstone reflected on this encounter post-game, sharing that he was taken aback by Curran’s celebration aimed at him.
“I have no idea why Tom started to spray me. He is one of my good friends and he called me a fat slob or something so I thought ‘let’s hope you don’t go for a few if you come back at the death’ and he did so I’m kind of happy with that.” – Liam Livingstone
This jokey banter was not enough to stop Livingstone’s momentum, as the all-rounder zeroed in on the match. He credited his success against Rashid Khan to having faced him before.
“I have confidence in having played him before,” – Liam Livingstone
Livingstone’s knock was more than an exhibition of mighty muscle and big bludgeoning sixes. He hit 16 runs in, after Jacob Bethell had been ousted for eight. This persistent effort was key in keeping the momentum going for his team. After being peppered by Khan, he released the Kraken on Curran’s bowling, reeling off two thunderous sixes. This blistering display from the Point God nearly propelled Phoenix to a historic upset victory.
Birmingham Phoenix pulled off the highest successful chase in The Hundred, completing the third highest chase overall. Their win was achieved with four wickets and two balls to spare. Livingstone’s hand was instrumental in closing out one of the most exciting games of the tournament to date.
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