Not many bowlers make batters uneasy right from the start the way Trent Boult does. The left-arm quick has built his reputation on swinging the ball back sharply into right-handers. Trent Boult has a built-in weapon that troubles even the most accomplished batters. He combines his speed with late movement, which has rightfully earned him the tag of one of the most feared new-ball bowlers in the world.
Playing for Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2025, Trent Boult reminded everyone of his class when he sent down a magical delivery that shattered London Spirit opener Jamie Smith’s stumps in the 18th match of the tournament.
Trent Boult delivers a peach of an in-swinger to get rid of Jamie Smith
Birmingham Phoenix won the toss and invited London Spirit to bat first. This decision immediately paid off as Boult struck early. On only the third ball of the match, Trent Boult unleashed a trademark in-swinger that cut back sharply. Jamie Smith went for an ambitious drive, but the pace and movement completely beat him.
A terrific start for Trent Boult ⚡️#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/QkcQnS1ASk
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 17, 2025
The ball thundered into the stumps, leaving Smith shocked, and the wicketkeeper walked back for a second-ball duck. He bowled with control and rhythm, where he delivered 20 balls and squeezed in 10 dot deliveries. It is worth noting here that he finished with 2 wickets and proved once again why he is among the best T20 bowlers in the world.
After Boult’s early strike, the Phoenix bowlers kept the pressure on. Liam Livingstone, better known for his batting, chipped in with the ball and delivered a disciplined spell. He picked up two crucial wickets for 26 runs and made sure that the Spirit batters never got away.
Skipper Kane Williamson fought hard for London Spirit with 33 off 29 balls, wherein he hit five fours. Ollie Pope added a quick 23 to inject some energy into the innings, but the side could only manage 126/6 in their 100 balls. It was a below-par total considering the strength of the Phoenix batting lineup. Clarke and Livingstone sealed the chase and got the job done.
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Although Will Smeed fell early, Joe Clarke came out with intent. He smashed a dazzling half-century in just 23 balls. He punished every loose delivery and scoring at a strike rate above 200. His innings included nine boundaries and two sixes, which lifted Phoenix into a commanding position. After Clarke departed, captain Liam Livingstone took over and dominated the proceedings.
In the wake of his success with the ball, he entertained the crowd with the bat as well. He chipped in with an unbeaten 45 from just 20 balls. The England international showcased his six-hitting abilities by thrashing as many as five massive sixes that cleared the ropes with ease. Along with Jacob Bethell’s steady 18 not out, Livingstone ensured that Phoenix crossed the line with a comfortable seven-wicket victory, with 35 balls to spare.
Liam Livingstone was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round performance. While Clarke and Livingstone provided the fireworks with the bat, the defining moment of the match came in the opening over when Boult sent back Jamie Smith. It was not just a wicket but a statement. The ball pitched in line, swung late, and demolished the stumps in the kind of fashion fans love to watch.
Boult’s ability to produce such magic deliveries in the powerplay is what separates him from others. As things stand, Birmingham Phoenix are sixth on the points table with two wins and three defeats. They have collected 8 points. On the other hand, London Spirit are seventh on the table with 8 points (2 wins and 8 defeats).
