Short, Brook fireworks give Superchargers big win over Brave

Quick half-centuries from Harry Brook and Matthew Short guided Northern Superchargers to a 60-run victory over Southern Brave as the visitors piled up a record score.

Brook smashed 63 off 27 in his first innings since the Ashes as the Superchargers racked up 201 for 3 - the second-highest total in the men's competition's history and the highest by the Superchargers team.

Short began the free scoring as the Australian clubbed 73 off 36 in a first-wicket partnership of 97 with Tom Banton, who added 44 as only Rehan Ahmed and Tymal Mills picked up wickets.

Reece Topley took 3 for 30 as Superchargers continued their unbeaten start, and Brave suffered their second defeat in three matches.

Short overturned an lbw decision on 4 before unleashing an astonishing assault of drives, pulls, flicks, and punches on the Brave bowlers in his incredible innings of 73.

When Short finally holed out to deep midwicket off Rehan, Banton took on the mantle of big hitting, targeting Leus du Plooy and Mills with some sensational shots.

Craig Overton dropped a simple chance at long-on with Brook on 12, and this proved costly as the Yorkshireman took Tim David for three consecutive sixes. Overton partially redeemed himself by taking the catch to dismiss Banton for 44 after he skied a Mills slower ball.

David Wiese was run-out. However, Brook continued to inflict punishment on the bowlers, and Adam Hose's six off the final ball of the innings took Superchargers to a record score.

Brave did not get off to a quick start in the chase as they only reached 11 off the first 10 balls, and lost opener Finn Allen who drove straight to mid-on.

James Vince started well, latching on to two wide deliveries from Wayne Parnell and helping consecutive leg-side deliveries from Topley behind square for boundaries.

But the run rate slowed down as spin dominated, especially left-arm spinner Callum Parkinson, who varied his pace effectively and found turn off a sticky pitch, and England leg-spinner Adil Rashid who used his full repertoire of deliveries.

Devon Conway was caught in the deep off Parnell while Vince top-edged Rashid to point on the ring. Soon after, Du Plooy was bowled by Topley. David put on some fireworks for the 12,569 Ageas Bowl crowd with four sixes in his 40 off 19 balls, but it was not enough. He was caught attempting a fifth, as Superchargers secured a dominant victory.