Southern Brave captain Sophie Molineux was the standout performer as she claimed three wickets and helped her side claw back an eight‑run win against Welsh Fire Women in a pulsating The Hundred encounter on Wednesday. The match, played at the Utilita Bowl, saw the 2025 Hundred finalists set a modest target of 127 for the Fire to chase in the first innings. Laura Wolvaardt anchored the Brave’s batting effort, remaining unbeaten on 45 runs off just 36 balls, while Welsh Fire bowler Heather Graham impressed with figures of four wickets for 19 runs. After the Brave posted their total, Welsh Fire seized the initiative thanks to a spectacular knock from Georgia Voll.
The young batter smashed 52 runs from 39 deliveries, shifting the momentum back onto the Fire and putting the Brave under pressure. Freya Kemp added another 39 runs before being run‑out by a spectacular direct‑hit from Jemimah Rodrigues, who displayed brilliant fielding instincts.
Despite Rodrigues’ heroics, the Brave’s fielding was shaky, as they dropped seven catches, including a crucial one off Voll’s bat. After the match, Molineau, who contributed a quick‑fire 22 off 16 balls in the Brave’s innings, told Sky Sports, “Hopefully we have got the drops out of the way early. That happens.
It’s not a technical thing, it’s just getting back into the swing of things. I’m sure we’ll be on top of that and not let it get us down for sure.” At a pivotal moment, Welsh Fire were 80 for 2 with 41 balls remaining and appeared to be in control. However, Molineau and England bowler Lauren Bell rallied the Brave, restricting the Fire to 118 runs for eight wickets by the end of their chase.
When asked what she said to her teammates as the Fire began to dominate, Molineau explained, “I told them to hang in there. They were batting really well and hitting hard, but we knew chances would come. It was about holding our nerve for as long as possible. Sarah Glenn’s spell was excellent, and Tilly Corteen‑Coleman’s entry was exactly what we needed.” Molineau’s impact was immediate.
After already dismissing Ella McCaughan, she trapped Sophie Devine, the New Zealand all‑rounder, with a ball that forced Devine into a mistimed shot that was caught by Lizelle Lee behind the stumps. The breakthrough sparked a rapid succession of wickets. Corteen‑Coleman soon removed Georgia Voll, clipping the 18‑year‑old out to Maia Bouchier at long‑on. Within three deliveries, Issy Wong caught Georgia Wareham off a Lauren Bell delivery, and Bell then claimed her second wicket of the match, dismantling Em Arlott’s stumps and leaving the Fire needing just 16 runs from the final 11 balls.
The Brave, however, could not finish the chase in time. Molineau claimed Niamh Holland, and Corteen‑Coleman bowled Heather Graham, sealing a final Fire total of 118. Bell reflected on the significance of Devine’s wicket, saying, “I can’t believe we got back into the game. Once we took one wicket, another followed, and we showed our class at the end.
There were a few nerves in the first game of the competition, especially with the dropped catches, but we’ll put that behind us. We became clutch at the end.” Bell added, “When we broke through and got Devine out, we knew we were back in it.
We had an end to bowl at and slowed Georgia Voll’s momentum. We just needed one more wicket and we were alive again. We haven’t been together long, but a win like this gives us a lot of confidence. Tournament cricket is all about starting fast, so the first win is crucial.” The match also highlighted the importance of fielding discipline in the short format.
The seven dropped catches by the Brave could have cost them dearly, yet their bowlers’ resilience turned the tide. Molineau’s three‑wicket haul, combined with Bell’s incisive spell and the emerging talent of Corteen‑Coleman, demonstrated the depth of the Brave’s bowling attack. Looking ahead, the next Hundred double‑header will be staged at Lord’s, where London Spirit face Manchester Super Giants.
The women’s fixture kicks off at 2:45 pm, followed by the men’s match at 6:30 pm. Both games will be streamed live on Sky Sports and YouTube, with additional coverage available on the NOW platform. Fans can also stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for the latest news, video highlights, analysis, and more. Overall, the Brave’s comeback victory underscored the unpredictable nature of The Hundred, where a few key moments—whether a direct‑hit run‑out, a crucial wicket, or a dropped catch—can dramatically alter the outcome.
Sophie Molineau’s leadership with both bat and ball, coupled with the collective effort of her teammates, ensured that Southern Brave emerged victorious in a match that will be remembered for its excitement and resilience.