Image: Superchargers posted 141/4, thanks to Armitage and Wareham's partnership / © ESPNCricinfo
On a crisp evening at Headingley, Leeds, on August 7, 2025, the Northern Superchargers (Women) put on a masterclass against Welsh Fire (Women) in the third match of The Hundred Women’s Competition. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, the Superchargers crafted a robust 141 for 4 in their 100 balls, setting a formidable target of 142. The Fire, unable to find their footing, crumbled to 94 all out in 98 balls, handing the Superchargers a commanding 47-run victory. Georgia Wareham’s electrifying all-round performance, blending explosive batting with suffocating bowling, earned her the Player of the Match award, while the Superchargers’ teamwork shone brightly.
The Superchargers’ decision to bat first was a calculated move, and their openers, Davina Perrin and Alice Davidson-Richards, walked out with clear intent. The pair faced a disciplined Fire bowling unit, but Davidson-Richards wasted no time, unleashing a barrage of shots to score 14 runs off just 9 balls. Her three boundaries, a crisp drive through cover, a lofted shot over midwicket, and a deft cut past point lit up the early overs. Her aggressive approach signaled the Superchargers’ intent to take the game to the Fire.
However, Freya Davies struck back, trapping Davidson-Richards leg-before-wicket on the 19th ball after a brief umpire consultation. Her quickfire knock had given the Superchargers a flying start, setting a positive tone. Davina Perrin played the anchor role, carefully constructing her innings with 21 runs off 24 balls. Her three fours, struck with precision through the off-side, showcased her ability to find gaps while keeping the scoreboard moving.
Perrin’s measured approach was about building a foundation, but her attempt to up the ante against Hayley Matthews backfired. Caught after a mistimed lofted shot, she departed, leaving the Superchargers at 62 for 3 after 44 balls. The early loss of Phoebe Litchfield added pressure. Litchfield, known for her flair, managed only 4 runs off 3 balls before Tammy Beaumont pouched a sharp catch at cover off Shabnim Ismail’s fiery pace on the 23rd ball. At 29 for 2 after 23 balls, the Superchargers were in a spot of bother.
Annabel Sutherland strode to the crease with confidence, delivering a vital 28 runs off 20 balls. Her innings was a perfect blend of caution and aggression, featuring three fours and a towering six over long-on that had the crowd roaring. Sutherland’s 33-run stand with Perrin steadied the innings, with the duo rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries. Her ability to pick singles and twos kept the Fire fielders on their toes, but her dismissal, caught off Matthews’ bowling after a lofted shot went awry, ended the partnership at 62 for 3. Sutherland’s contribution ensured the Superchargers had a platform to launch from in the latter stages.
The innings’ defining moment came through an unbeaten 52-run partnership between captain Hollie Armitage and Georgia Wareham. Armitage, leading by example, played a composed knock of 34 not out off 27 balls. Her three fours, struck with elegance through cover and midwicket, came at a strike rate of 125.92. Armitage’s calm presence ensured the innings stayed on track, as she picked gaps and kept the strike rotating.
Wareham, however, was the game-changer, smashing an unbeaten 29 off 17 balls at a strike rate of 170.58. Her three fours and a massive six, launched over deep midwicket, electrified the crowd. Wareham’s aggressive intent in the final overs, particularly against Jess Jonassen and Katie Levick, saw her sweep powerfully and loft shots with precision, driving the Superchargers to a competitive total.
The Fire’s bowlers struggled to contain the late surge. Hayley Matthews was the pick, bowling with guile to finish with 2 for 18 in her 20 balls. Her 9 dot balls and just two boundaries conceded showcased her control, making life tough for the batters. Shabnim Ismail (1 for 23) and Freya Davies (1 for 24) claimed a wicket each but couldn’t stem the flow of runs. Jonassen and Levick were taken apart in the final overs, leaking runs at critical moments. The Superchargers also benefited from 11 extras of 4 byes, 6 leg byes, and a wide, adding crucial runs to their 141 for 4.
The innings was paced to perfection, with a run rate of 1.41 runs per ball. Losing only four wickets allowed the Superchargers to go hard in the final 35 balls, where Armitage and Wareham’s partnership flourished. The Powerplay (balls 1-25) yielded 30 runs for two wickets, setting a foundation for the middle and late overs. The Superchargers’ disciplined batting and explosive finish set a target that tested the Fire’s batting depth on a pitch with some help for bowlers.
Chasing 142 in 100 balls, Welsh Fire (Women) unravelled early and never recovered, collapsing to 94 all out in 98 balls. The Superchargers’ bowlers, led by the irrepressible Georgia Wareham, applied relentless pressure, exposing the Fire’s batting frailties. Early dismissals, rash shots, and a lack of partnerships doomed the chase, resulting in a comprehensive defeat. The Fire’s innings began with a jolt when Sophia Dunkley was run out for 1 run off 5 balls on the 6th ball.
A brilliant piece of fielding by Wareham, combined with Bess Heath’s quick work behind the stumps, set the tone. Hayley Matthews, expected to lead the charge, fell for 5 runs off 3 balls, bowled by Linsey Smith’s accurate delivery on the 12th ball. At 6 for 2, the Fire were in deep trouble. Tammy Beaumont provided a brief spark, scoring a brisk 36 off 21 balls with three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 171.42. Her lofted cover drive and a powerful shot over mid-on kept the Fire alive, but her dismissal, caught by Hollie Armitage off Grace Ballinger on the 50th ball, sparked a collapse.
Georgia Elwiss, with 13 runs off 17 balls, was run out on the 41st ball after a mix-up, further denting the Fire’s hopes. The middle order imploded. Jess Jonassen, a key batter, scored just 1 run before being caught off Wareham’s bowling. Sarah Bryce, the wicketkeeper, managed 2 runs off 4 balls before Annabel Sutherland’s swinging delivery clean-bowled her. Emily Windsor and Katie George fell cheaply, scoring 4 and 5 respectively, with George’s lbw dismissal to Wareham surviving a DRS review on the 65th ball. Freya Davies and Katie Levick offered some resistance, scoring 4 and 11 respectively, but it was futile. Shabnim Ismail remained not out on 9 off 15 balls, but the Fire were bowled out with two balls remaining.
The Superchargers’ bowling was clinical. Georgia Wareham led the way, taking 2 for 14 in 20 balls with an economy of 0.70 runs per ball. Her 11 dot balls and single boundary conceded choked the Fire’s scoring. Grace Ballinger shone with 2 for 16, including Beaumont’s wicket. Linsey Smith took 2 for 28, while Kate Cross and Annabel Sutherland claimed a wicket each. The Fire’s run rate of 0.95 runs per ball reflected their struggle, with only 8 fours and 3 sixes.
The Powerplay (balls 1-25) yielded 30 runs for two wickets, and the Fire never found momentum. Their 50 came in 43 balls, but wickets fell steadily, keeping them behind the required rate. The Superchargers’ fielding was electric, with two run-outs and sharp catches. Their bowlers conceded just 3 wides, maintaining tight lines. The Fire’s inability to build partnerships, coupled with Wareham’s brilliance, sealed their fate. The victory earned the Superchargers 4 points and a net run rate of 2.350, while the Fire languished with a net run rate of -2.350.
Hayley Matthews delivered a standout bowling performance for Welsh Fire, earning TCNI’s Magic Moment of the Game. The West Indian all-rounder bowled with precision, claiming 2 for 18 in her 20 balls. Her dismissals of Davina Perrin (21 runs) and Annabel Sutherland (28 runs) broke key partnerships at 62 for 3 and 89 for 4.
With 9 dot balls and just two boundaries conceded, her economy of 0.90 runs per ball stifled the Superchargers. Matthews’ clever variations and tight lines outshone Shabnim Ismail (1 for 23) and Freya Davies (1 for 24), keeping the Fire in the contest.
Georgia Wareham was the heartbeat of the Superchargers’ victory, earning TCNI’s Hero of the Day. Her unbeaten 29 off 17 balls, with three fours and a six, propelled the Superchargers to 141. With the ball, she was unplayable, taking 2 for 14 in 20 balls with an economy of 0.70.
Her dismissals of Jess Jonassen and Katie George, plus 11 dot balls, dismantled the Fire’s chase. Her sharp fielding, including a run-out, sealed her all-round dominance, making her the match’s defining force.