This was a clash of two of the most potent bowling units in The Hundred and on a slow pitch it always felt the attack that executed best would come out on top.
In a low-scoring affair, the margin for error was that much smaller. Few could have predicted just how fine that margin would be.
Had Livingstone been content to push a single with three needed rather than attempt to end the game in one shot, the outcome may have been different.
But equally, that was the approach that took a faltering Phoenix chase and put them within touching distance of the final.
Despite how it ended, it was an innings of immense grit, determination and quality – and made all the better by the standard of the bowling he faced.
Archer was superb to an extent that figures of 1-29 do no justice, so too was Craig Overton up top, while Tymal Mills’ ability to switch seamlessly between 90mph thunderbolts and perfectly-disguised slower balls brought him fine figures of 3-23.
Jordan, who struck a crucial unbeaten 20 from nine balls with the bat, went wicketless but he, too, played his part with the ball late on.
None was calmer under pressure, though, than Hosein. His overstep appeared to have decided the game in Phoenix’s favour but he showed nerves of steel to recover the situation.
It was Archer, the superstar of a high-class attack, trusted to deliver in the Super Five and there seemed little doubt he would do so.
The batters so often take the headlines – and Livingstone nearly did here – but Archer and co showed once again that bowlers really make the difference in short-format games.
