Southern Brave captain Sophie Molineux was the standout performer as her side clawed back an eight‑run win against Welsh Fire Women in a nail‑biting The Hundred encounter on Wednesday. The match, played at the Utilita Bowl, saw the Brave set a modest target of 127 after a solid opening partnership, but it was Molineux's three‑wicket haul that ultimately turned the tide. In the first innings, the Brave’s batting line‑up got off to a promising start, with Molineux herself contributing a quickfire 22 from just 16 balls.
The innings was anchored by Laura Wolvaardt, who smashed an unbeaten 45 off 36 deliveries, while Welsh Fire’s bowler Heather Graham produced an impressive spell of 4‑19, keeping the run‑rate in check. When the Brave were eventually bowled out for 126, they left the Fire with a target that looked attainable. Welsh Fire responded confidently, with Georgia Voll delivering a blistering 52 from 39 balls, shifting the momentum back in her team’s favour.
Freya Kemp added another 39 runs before being run‑out by a spectacular direct‑hit from Jemimah Rodrigues, further bolstering the Fire’s total. At one point the Fire were 80‑2 with 41 balls remaining, appearing comfortably in control. However, the Brave’s fielding faltered, as they dropped seven catches—including a crucial chance off Voll—allowing the Fire to press on. Despite the setbacks, Molineux remained composed.
She told Sky Sports, "Hopefully we have got the drops out of the way early. 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." When the Fire seemed poised to chase down the target, Molineux, alongside England pacer Lauren Bell, tightened the screws.
The pair kept the Fire to 118 for eight wickets at the end of their innings, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Molineux explained her pep talk to the side: "It was just to hang in there.
They were batting really well, but we knew there were chances coming. It was probably just to hold our nerve for as long as possible." The breakthrough came when Molineux dismissed Ella McCaughan early and then trapped New Zealand all‑rounder Sophie Devine, who attempted a lofted drive but was caught behind by Lizelle Lee. The wicket sparked a cascade of dismissals. Tilly Corteen‑Coleman, the 18‑year‑old Australian, clipped Voll out to Maia Bouchier at long‑on, and three balls later Issy Wong took Georgia Wareham behind the stumps off a Bell delivery.
Bell herself claimed two wickets, including the final one that left the Fire needing 16 runs from 11 balls. In the closing overs, Molineux claimed Niamh Holland, and Corteen‑Coleman bowled Heather Graham, sealing a 118‑run total for the Fire. Bell reflected on the turning point: "I actually can’t believe we got back into the game. Once we got one wicket, we got another wicket and then showed our class at the end.
There were obviously a few nerves on the first game of the competition, but we’ll put that behind us and move on." The Brave’s comeback was a testament to resilience and strategic bowling changes. Bell highlighted the importance of early wickets: "Once we got the breakthrough and Devine gone, we knew that we were in the game. We had an end to bowl at and slowed Georgia Voll’s game up. We just needed one more wicket and we were back in it." The victory also provided a much‑needed confidence boost for a side that has not yet played many matches together.
"We’ve not been together long, but a win like this gives us a lot of confidence. Tournament cricket is all about starting fast, so it’s really important to get the first win," Bell added. 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 broadcast live on Sky Sports and streamed on YouTube, with additional coverage available on the NOW platform. The Brave will aim to build on their hard‑earned triumph as the competition progresses.