Captains Clash: Liam Livingstone's Century Powers Tie
Liam Livingstone's scintillating century led Birmingham Phoenix to a thrilling tie against Shai Hope's Barbados Royals in The Hundred's opening match.
Livingstone, who was controversially left out of England's T20 World Cup squad, smashed a 44-ball 92, including six towering sixes, to guide Phoenix to a challenging total of 151/6.
Barbados Royals, in response, looked out of the contest at 50/4, but Barbadian star Shai Hope kept their hopes alive with a magnificent 100 not out off 55 balls.
Hope's heroics, which included eight sixes, powered the Royals to 151/5, forcing a share of the spoils in the inaugural match of The Hundred.
Phoenix Captain's Standout Performance: Liam Livingstone
Livingstone, who was appointed Phoenix captain just two weeks ago, put on a captain's performance in the tournament's opener.
After Phoenix lost Henry Brookes to a golden duck in the first over, Livingstone steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership alongside Miles Hammond.
He then unleashed his devastating power, launching Royals bowlers into the stands with effortless ease. His 92 was a career-best T20 score and the highest individual score in The Hundred's history.
Royals Captain's Response: Shai Hope's Century
Barbados Royals captain Shai Hope showed why he is one of the most feared batsmen in world cricket with a masterful century against Phoenix.
Coming to the crease with his team in trouble, Hope played with supreme confidence and power, smashing Phoenix bowlers to all parts of the ground.
He reached his second T20 hundred off just 51 balls, equaling Livingstone's record as the fastest century in The Hundred.
A Match of High Drama and Excitement
The opening match of The Hundred lived up to its billing, providing a thrilling contest that went down to the wire.
Phoenix appeared to be cruising to a comfortable win, but Hope's late surge of sixes turned the game on its head.
The final over, bowled by Benny Howell, was a tense affair, with Royals needing six runs to win. Hope managed to hit a four off the penultimate ball, but he could only manage a single off the last, resulting in a tie.
The clash between Phoenix and Royals was a fitting start to The Hundred, showcasing the high level of skill, entertainment, and drama that the tournament promises to deliver.