The 2025 edition of The Hundred continues on the south coast as Southern Brave Men welcome Birmingham Phoenix Men to the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. Scheduled for Sunday 10 August 2025, this seventh match of the season begins at 14:30 BST (19:00 IST). The Brave are looking to build on last year’s runner‑up finish, while Phoenix aim to bounce back from an opening‑round defeat. With a passionate crowd expected at this compact venue, fans can look forward to another 100‑ball thriller.
Southern Brave Men
The Brave have established themselves as one of the most consistent sides in the short history of The Hundred. They began the 2025 campaign with a victory and currently sit fourth in the standings. Last year James Vince’s side reached the final, only to lose to Oval Invincibles, and they also won the inaugural men’s title in 2021. Their dominance over Birmingham Phoenix is particularly notable — the Brave have won five of the six meetings between the sides and edged past Phoenix in the 2024 Eliminator courtesy of a Super Five shoot‑out. Playing at their home ground in front of a raucous crowd gives them further confidence.
- Started the 2025 season with a win and occupy fourth place after one game.
- Runner‑up in 2024 and winners of the inaugural 2021 title; strong record in the competition.
- Dominant head‑to‑head, with five wins from six against Phoenix including a dramatic Eliminator triumph last year.
Birmingham Phoenix Men
losing to Southern Brave in the Eliminator. New captain Liam Livingstone leads a line‑up brimming with power hitters but their bowlers need to improve after conceding freely in the opener.
- Lost their opening match of 2025 to the Trent Rockets and sit near the foot of the table.
- Heart‑breaking Super Five defeat to Southern Brave in last year’s Eliminator kept them out of the final.
- Haven’t reached the final since finishing runners‑up in 2021 and must find consistency to challenge the top sides.
Key Players
Southern Brave Men
- James Vince (batter) – The skipper is the glue in the Brave’s top order. An elegant stroke‑maker with vast white‑ball experience, Vince topped his side’s run charts last season and his ability to bat through the innings anchors the power hitters around him.
- Tymal Mills (fast bowler) – The left‑arm quick impressed in the opening match, claiming three wickets for 22 runs. His ability to swing the new ball at high pace and nail yorkers at the death makes him the Brave’s most potent bowling weapon.
- Michael Bracewell (all‑rounder) – New Zealand’s off‑spinning all‑rounder adds balance in the middle. Capable of clearing the ropes with the bat and tying down an end with his tidy off‑spin, Bracewell provides versatility in both departments.
Birmingham Phoenix Men
- Liam Livingstone (all‑rounder) – The new captain is Phoenix’s talisman. He smashed 39 from 30 balls in the defeat to the Rockets and can change a game in a handful of deliveries. Livingstone’s off‑spin and outstanding fielding add further fantasy value.
- Adam Milne (fast bowler) – The New Zealand speedster regularly clocks 145 km/h and uses h cricket, Smeed’s ultra‑aggressive approach at the top can set the tone. A quick fifty from him could put the Brave on the back foot.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The Utilita Bowl (also known as the Rose Bowl) is regarded as one of England’s more competitive white‑ball surfaces. According to match reports, pacers enjoy bowling here; the wicket offers good bounce and noticeable movement with the new ball. Batters who get set can still score freely, but timing and placement are key. Spinners might find some grip as the pitch wears, yet seamers remain the main threat.
Weatherwise, Southampton in early August is usually mild and pleasant. Historical data for the month show average temperatures around 17 °C with daytime highs near 22 °C and lows around 13 °C. There are roughly seven hours of sunshine per day and rainfall averages about 40 mm spread over 14 days. The forecast for match day is for plenty of sunshine and only a small chance of showers, so conditions should favour another full 100‑ball contest.
Southern Brave Men v Birmingham Phoenix Men – Prediction
With home advantage, strong form and an excellent head‑to‑head record, Southern Brave enter this contest as favourites. Their settled squad and in‑form pace attack should allow them to control the game. Birmingham Phoenix will hope that their power hitters can fire and that the bowlers tighten up after a poor first outing, but on current evidence the Brave have the edge. Expect a competitive affair, but Southern Brave should continue their winning start.
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With home advantage, balanced squads and a rivalry that has delivered drama in the past, this match promises plenty of fireworks. Southern Brave look well placed to continue their strong start, but Birmingham Phoenix will be determined to cause an upset. Don’t miss the action when these two sides meet under the Southampton sunshine.
