Bracewell, openers lead Brave to easy win over Phoenix

Led by Michael Bracewell's three-wicket haul, Southern Brave restricted Birmingham Phoenix to just 106 before openers James Vince and Leus du Plooy set up the chase with a 75-run opening stand. Courtesy this nine-wicket victory, Brave now have two wins in two matches whereas Phoenix's season is off to a dampener with successive losses.

Brave captain Vince chose to bowl first and kept Ben Duckett to run-a-ball before Chris Jordan had him caught-behind with the 26th ball of the innings. Bracewell then took control in the middle overs, removing Jacob Bethell (bowled) and Will Smeed (caught) in the space of four balls and having Dan Mousley stumped later in the innings. He finished with excellent figures of 3 for 10 from 15 balls.

Jofra Archer who was taken for early boundaries by Duckett, chipped in by getting rid of Liam Livingstone and Joe Clarke, whose fighting 36 was the only batting highlight for Phoenix. With wickets falling regularly, Phoenix could only reach 106/7 from their 100 balls.

The chase was smooth for Brave. Vince made 41 off 30, hitting four boundaries, before falling to Benny Howell. His opening partner du Plooy stayed till the end and finished unbeaten on 48, hitting the winning boundary off Tim Southee and getting Brave across the line with 19 balls left.

Brief Scores: Birmingham Phoenix 106/7 (Clarke 36; Bracewell 3-10) lost to Southern Brave 109/1 in 81 balls (du Plooy 48*, Vince 41) by 9 wickets