Southern Brave (SOB) kept their campaign alive in dramatic fashion with a hard-fought 12-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix (BPH) in The Hundred Men’s 2026. While the bowlers held their nerve in a tense finish, one of the biggest talking points came right at the end of the Brave innings when Birmingham Phoenix skipper Donovan Ferreira produced a stunning direct hit from cover to run out Jofra Archer for a duck. The sharp piece of fielding quickly went viral, adding another memorable moment to an entertaining contest.
Donovan Ferreira’s brilliant direct hit catches Jofra Archer short
The incident took place on the 93rd ball of Southern Brave’s innings. Ben Dwarshuis forced Jofra Archer into an attempted cut shot, but the England speedster could only mistime the ball towards Ferreira at cover. The Birmingham Phoenix captain reacted instantly, collecting the ball cleanly before firing a direct hit at the non-striker’s end.
Archer had barely left his crease and was comfortably short when the stumps were broken, ending his stay without scoring from two deliveries. The brilliant piece of fielding capped off a disciplined effort from Phoenix in the field, with Ferreira’s awareness and accuracy drawing widespread praise from fans on social media.
Here’s the video:
BULLSEEYYEEE 🎯
Southern Brave set 128, watch Birmingham Phoenix begin their run-chase on Sky Sports Cricket 🏏#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/f7QENJXQFw
— The Hundred (@thehundred) July 30, 2026
Southern Brave survive late scare to secure first win
Despite being restricted to 128/8, Southern Brave defended the total brilliantly to register their first victory of the season. Marcus Stoinis top-scored with a valuable 34, while Rehan Ahmed claimed 3/25 and Dwarshuis picked up two wickets to keep Brave’s batting in check.
Birmingham Phoenix appeared to be cruising at 52/1 before the chase unravelled following a flurry of wickets. Will Smeed top-scored with 35, but Luke Wood, Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan combined to turn the match around during the closing stages.
Archer dismissed Ferreira after the Phoenix skipper attempted an ambitious slog, while Stoinis delivered a crucial spell that built scoreboard pressure. With Birmingham requiring 29 runs from the final 10 balls, Southern Brave held their nerve. Wood finished with outstanding figures of 3/24 as Phoenix eventually ended on 116/9, handing Southern Brave a memorable 12-run win.
First win of this season for Southern Brave ✅💯#TheHundred #SouthernBrave #Cricket pic.twitter.com/akI9HDu9aO
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) July 31, 2026
