Southern Brave Women hold their nerve for a third straight win

Southern Brave Women (126-7) continued their perfect start to The Hundred with another composed performance, holding off MI London (125-3) by a single run in a gripping finish that showcased the resilience of this unbeaten side.

Defending 126, Brave were made to work hard as MI London’s chase ebbed and flowed, but the home attack once again proved its class under pressure.

Hayley Matthews threatened early with a flurry of boundaries but was bowled by Issy Wong on 42. Danni Wyatt‑Hodge anchored the visitors’ innings with an unbeaten 52 against her former team, but Brave kept chipping away.

Glenn’s reviewed dismissal of Hollie Armitage broke a 67‑run stand, Molineux delivered a tight penultimate set, and that left Lauren Bell with eight runs to defend from the final five balls.

Bell bowled immaculately at Wyatt‑Hodge and Nicola Carey to prevent them chasing down the final eight runs, closing out the game at Utilita Bowl to secure Brave’s third win from three and maintain their position at the top of the table.

With the bat, Maia Bouchier’s started brightly with 31 off 22 and Jemimah Rodrigues’ inventive 32 helped Brave build a competitive total, while Laura Wolvaardt overcame a slow beginning to finish with a valuable 35. Matthews’ 4‑22 kept MI London in the contest, but Brave’s 126 ultimately proved just enough.

Meerkat Match Hero Rodrigues summed up the mood: “This team has great belief. It’s the calmness we show under pressure - our bowlers bowled really well.”

Southern Brave host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday 30 July, with the women looking to extend their unbeaten run in the competition.