Image: Southern Brave Women gave it their all and took all 8 wins / © ESPNcricinfo
On August 28, 2025, at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, Southern Brave (Women) locked horns with Welsh Fire (Women) in a thrilling League stage match of the Hundred Women’s Competition. Welsh Fire won the toss and chose to bowl, a decision that paid off early as their bowlers put Southern Brave’s batters under pressure from the first ball. Renowned for their deep batting lineup, the Brave faced a stern challenge against a disciplined Welsh Fire attack led by Shabnim Ismail and Hayley Matthews.
The innings began with Maia Bouchier and her opening partner facing a probing spell from Ismail and Matthews. Bouchier, known for her attacking style, struggled to find her rhythm and was dismissed for 2 runs off 7 balls, caught off Matthews’ bowling on the 9th ball. This early blow left Southern Brave at 5/1, forcing a cautious approach as Welsh Fire’s bowlers found movement. Laura Wolvaardt, the graceful South African, came in with intent but lasted just 4 balls, cracking 8 runs with two boundaries before Sarah Bryce took a sharp catch off Ismail’s fiery pace. At 14/2 after 14 balls, Southern Brave were in a hole, with Welsh Fire’s bowlers exploiting the conditions.
Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Freya Kemp stepped up to rebuild, putting together a crucial 39-run stand for the third wicket. Wyatt-Hodge played with composure, scoring 24 runs off 23 balls with three well-placed boundaries. Her cover drives were a highlight. Her steady knock kept the innings on track, but she fell when Katie Levick induced a false shot, caught by Jess Jonassen. Kemp, showing maturity, contributed 18 runs off 19 balls with two boundaries before Matthews bowled her with a pinpoint delivery. At 56/4 after 56 balls, Southern Brave’s run rate was just above a run per ball, reflecting Welsh Fire’s tight bowling.
Chloe Tryon came in looking to accelerate, scoring a quick 8 off 8 balls with a boundary, but her attacking approach led to her dismissal when Tammy Beaumont held a catch off Georgia Davis’ bowling. With the score at 74/5 after 72 balls, Southern Brave needed a calm presence. Captain Georgia Adams delivered, remaining unbeaten on 30 off 26 balls. Her composed innings, with three boundaries, showcased smart strike rotation and gap-finding under pressure, keeping the innings alive despite regular wickets.
Welsh Fire’s attack was led by Hayley Matthews and Shabnim Ismail, both taking two wickets. Matthews was economical, conceding 16 runs in 20 balls at 0.80 runs per ball. Ismail, with her pace, gave away 22 runs at 1.10 runs per ball. Katie Levick and Jess Jonassen each claimed a wicket, with Levick particularly tight, leaking 11 runs in 15 balls. Georgia Davis took a wicket but was more expensive, conceding 20 runs. Freya Davies went wicketless, giving away 14 runs in 10 balls. Welsh Fire’s bowlers kept Southern Brave to a run rate of 1.06 runs per ball, setting up a chase that looked achievable on a bowler-friendly pitch.
Southern Brave’s innings was a story of grit, as despite early setbacks, they posted a total that demanded discipline from Welsh Fire. Georgia Adams’ unbeaten 30 was the backbone, ensuring the team crossed 100. The middle order absorbed pressure, and the lower order chipped in to set a target that, while not daunting, required a focused effort. Southern Brave’s bowlers, led by Lauren Bell, were ready to defend their total in a tight contest.
Chasing 107 runs in 100 balls, Welsh Fire needed a steady start to keep the required run rate of just over a run per ball in check. Southern Brave’s bowling attack, led by Lauren Bell, had other plans, putting the Fire under pressure immediately. Sophia Dunkley and captain Tammy Beaumont opened, tasked with laying a foundation. Dunkley started brightly, scoring 9 runs off 8 balls with a boundary, but Mady Villiers bowled her on the 23rd ball. At 26/1, Welsh Fire had a platform but needed to build on it.
Tammy Beaumont anchored the innings, scoring a composed 28 off 33 balls with four boundaries, her timing impeccable. She added 24 runs for the second wicket with Hayley Matthews, taking the score to 50/1 after 55 balls. The powerplay (balls 1–25) yielded just 27 runs for one wicket, signalling a slow start. Beaumont’s resistance ended when she was caught by Mady Villiers off Lauren Bell’s bowling, a massive blow. Jess Jonassen, expected to accelerate, lasted 3 balls, scoring 1 run before Freya Kemp took a sharp catch off Bell’s fiery spell. Matthews, with 16 off 20 balls, fell soon after, caught by Villiers off Georgia Adams’ bowling. At 54/4 after 64 balls, Welsh Fire were in trouble, with the run rate climbing.
Sarah Bryce, the wicketkeeper, couldn’t spark a revival, scoring 1 run before Tilly Corteen-Coleman bowled her. The Fire’s middle order crumbled under Southern Brave’s relentless attack. Georgia Elwiss fought for 10 off 11 balls but was run out after a mix-up, leaving Welsh Fire at 73/6 after 89 balls. Alex Griffiths showed grit, scoring 8 off 14 balls, but was caught by Sophie Devine off Bell’s bowling. Georgia Davis managed 1 run before Devine bowled her, and Shabnim Ismail fell for a duck, caught by Corteen-Coleman off Bell’s final wicket. Freya Davies was unbeaten on 3 off 4 balls, but Welsh Fire slumped to 77/9, 29 runs short.
Lauren Bell was the standout, delivering a stunning 4/6 in 20 balls, including 15 dot balls. Her economy of 0.30 runs per ball was exceptional, and her dismissals of Beaumont, Jonassen, Griffiths, and Ismail broke Welsh Fire’s batting. Tilly Corteen-Coleman took 1/22, while Sophie Devine and Mady Villiers each claimed a wicket. Georgia Adams contributed 1/8, and Chloe Tryon was tight, conceding 6 runs in 10 balls without a wicket. Southern Brave’s bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting Welsh Fire to a run rate of 0.77 runs per ball.
Welsh Fire’s batting collapse was stark, with only Beaumont and Matthews reaching double figures. Their inability to build partnerships and counter Bell’s pace and accuracy was decisive. The lack of extras underscored Southern Brave’s disciplined bowling but highlighted Welsh Fire’s batting woes. The match cemented Southern Brave’s dominance, leaving Welsh Fire at the bottom of the table.
The TCNI Magic Moment of the Game went to Shabnim Ismail for her fiery bowling spell. She bowled 20 balls with searing pace, conceding 22 runs at 1.10 runs per ball, including nine dot balls.
Ismail dismissed Laura Wolvaardt (8 off 4) and Sophie Devine (3 off 3), disrupting Southern Brave’s momentum. Her disciplined line and pace, especially in the death overs, helped restrict Southern Brave to 106/8, making it a defining moment in a low-scoring thriller.
Lauren Bell was the Hero of the Day, delivering a match-defining 4/6 in 20 balls, with 15 dot balls. Her economy of 0.30 runs per ball and dismissals of Tammy Beaumont, Jess Jonassen, Alex Griffiths, and Shabnim Ismail broke Welsh Fire’s batting.
Her relentless pressure prevented partnerships, leading to Welsh Fire’s collapse at 77/9. Supported by her team’s tight bowling, Bell’s fiery spell secured Southern Brave’s 29-run victory, earning her the spotlight as the match’s standout.