In the Hundred match on Tuesday, Liam Livingstone, the middle order batsman for England and the Birmingham Phoenix, was brutal against the Oval Invincibles. He was particularly tough on Rashid Khan.
During Rashid’s 5 ball spell from 76-80 of the Phoenix’s chase, Livingstone hit 3 sixes in a row, one on either side. Rashid’s bowling was off that day. His pace was down and he couldn’t find the right length. The balls were loopy and it was easy for Livingstone to smash his favourite shots.
Rashid ended up giving away 59 runs in his 20 balls, his most expensive spell in The Hundred and of his entire T20 career. His previous high was 55 runs in an IPL match back in 2018 against Kings XI.
Livingstone’s onslaught changed the game’s momentum and reduced the required runs to 35 off 20. Even with a tense last over that started with 2 wickets down, the Phoenix managed to win by 4 wickets. Livingstone was the reason for their win, he scored 69* off 27 balls. He guided the Phoenix to chase down 181 with 2 balls to spare.
WATCH NOW! ⏯️
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 12, 2025
Liam Livingstone has just scored 26 runs off 5 Rashid Khan balls! 🤯#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/fstSjKPa13
Livingstone’s innings at Edgbaston was a captain’s innings, 5 sixes in 27 balls. His late game aggression and calmness under pressure was the reason the Phoenix won their first game of the competition.
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This isn’t new for Rashid. Since his back surgery after the 2023 World Cup, he hasn’t been at his best. He himself admitted he might have rushed his return, especially after bowling 55 overs against Zimbabwe in a Test match in Bulawayo.
Rashid said he can manage in T20s but longer formats require more recovery time. He admitted he made a mistake by not giving himself enough time to heal, his body wasn’t ready and he had stiffness in his back which affected his rhythm. The team needed him at the time due to losses in Test matches but he now realises he came back too soon.
