Southern Brave continued their flawless run in this season's The Hundred, securing a comfortable 24‑run triumph over Birmingham Phoenix at the iconic Southampton ground. The win marked the Brave's fourth successive victory, preserving their unbeaten status, while the Phoenix remain anchored at the bottom of the table, still searching for their inaugural win. The match began with the Brave fielding aggressively, applying pressure that limited Phoenix to a modest target of 141 runs.
Birmingham Phoenix managed to reach 50 for the loss of two wickets in the first 37 balls, thanks to solid contributions from Tammy Beaumont and the young all‑rounder Davina Perrin. Their partnership gave the chase a glimmer of hope, but the momentum soon shifted. During the strategic timeout, the Phoenix required 54 runs from the remaining 30 balls, having just lost Beaumont for 22 (23).
The required run‑rate surged, and the innings began to wobble. Alice Capsey, who had already impressed with her bowling earlier in the game, delivered a crucial over. On her ninth ball she bowled a slower delivery that deceived Lauren Bell, who was forced to play a mistimed shot to extra cover.
The dismissal sparked a brief resurgence, but the damage was done. Perrin, who had been the lone bright spot with a hard‑earned half‑century off 40 balls, survived three potential catches before finally succumbing to a well‑timed leg‑break from Sarah Glenn. The ball was taken cleanly by Maia Bouchier at long‑on, ending Perrin’s innings and effectively ending the Phoenix’s chase. The loss of the half‑century anchor left Birmingham scrambling for runs, and they fell short by 24 runs.
Sophie Molineux, the Brave’s captain, led the bowling attack with poise, claiming two wickets and bringing her tournament tally to seven. She worked in tandem with fellow left‑arm spinner Tilly Courten‑Coleman, whose disciplined lines forced the Phoenix into a tight corner. Even a powerful cameo from Ellyse Perry, who struck a pair of long‑handled boundaries, could not bridge the gap. The Brave’s batting display was anchored by an explosive powerplay from Lizelle Lee.
In just 23 balls she amassed 43 runs, including the only two sixes of the match, setting a brisk foundation. Following her, Maia Bouchier contributed a quick‑fire 45 off 31 balls, capitalising on Lee’s momentum. In the death overs, Jemimah Rodrigues added valuable runs, hitting three fours in the final five balls to cement the total and keep the required run‑rate comfortably within reach. Post‑match, Lee reflected on the conditions, noting that the new ball behaved more predictably early on, but softened quickly, making stroke‑play more challenging as the innings progressed.
She praised her teammates, especially the bowlers, for their disciplined performance that kept the opposition under pressure. "Our bowlers are not getting enough credit.
They've bowled extremely well, they get us out of everything," Lee said. She also highlighted captain Sophie Molineux’s calm demeanor, which she felt radiated through the entire side, fostering a cohesive and resilient unit.
The victory keeps Southern Brave atop the women’s table and extends their perfect record to four wins from four matches. Meanwhile, Birmingham Phoenix continue to struggle, still awaiting their first win of the tournament.
The next fixtures promise further excitement: Manchester Super Giants will host Trent Rockets on Friday, with the women’s match kicking off at 3 pm followed by the men’s game at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also catch The Hundred action on the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free streaming for a wider audience.
Overall, the encounter showcased the depth of talent in the league, with standout performances from both seasoned internationals and emerging stars. The Brave’s blend of aggressive batting, strategic bowling changes, and steady leadership proved decisive, while the Phoenix will need to regroup and find a winning formula if they hope to climb out of the relegation zone in the coming weeks.