The Hundred 2022: Bell-Drummond's knock helps London Spirit beat Southern Brave in a thriller

Maxwell and Bell-Drummond dominated the bowlers

London Spirit continued their dominance in the ongoing The Hundred season as the Eoin Morgan-led side swatted away the defending champions Southern Brave by nine runs in a thrilling 100-ball encounter on Friday at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.

Ross Whiteley's fifty stayed bootless

Chasing 148, the Brave were dealt an early blow as they lost their skipper and opener James Vince for a golden duck. Quinton de Kock was next to follow Vince back to the pavilion after a panicked mix-up with Alex Davies. 

The duo of Marcus Stoinis and Alex Davies banded together and added 40 runs for the third wicket before Stoinis was stumped out for 14 off Dawson by Rossington. Despite being sprawled to 44/3, Ross Whiteley kept the Braves' hopes breathing and stacked a quick 33-ball 52 to take the game deep.  

However, with 27 required from 11 balls, Jordan Thompson bowled a pinpoint yorker to rattle the timbers of Whiteley. 

Daniel Bell-Drummond, Glenn Maxwell propels the Spirit to 147-6

Earlier in the first half, Daniel Bell-Drummond (33-ball 46) and Glenn Maxwell (21-ball 34) played responsible knocks to help London reach a respectable total against the Brave, especially after a shaky start when they had lost two wickets for just 29 runs in 21 deliveries.

Later, the Caribbean hard-hitting batter Kieron Pollard chipped in with a valuable 26 not out off 20 balls to take the Spirit's total to 147/6 in the allotted 100 balls.

Following this win, London Spirit further consolidated their position at the top of the points table with three wins from as many games.