In a heart‑stopping showdown at Southampton's Utilita Bowl, the Southern Brave edged out MI London by the slimmest of margins – just a single run – after a dramatic finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The match unfolded as a classic contest of firepower versus finesse, with both sides delivering moments of brilliance before the outcome was finally decided in the very last ball. The Brave began their innings with a burst of aggression, anchored by an impressive trio at the top of the order.
Opening partner Jemimah Rodrigues set the tone, hammering 32 runs off just 22 deliveries, showcasing a blend of crisp timing and fearless stroke‑play. Right behind her, Maia Bouchier contributed a quick‑fire 31 from an equally brisk 22 balls, her ability to rotate the strike and find gaps proving vital in the early overs. The innings’ highest scorer, Laura Wolvaardt, added a composed 35, anchoring the middle order and ensuring the team maintained a steady flow of runs.
Despite the momentum generated by the top order, the Brave’s total of 126 for 7 after the allotted 100 balls fell short of the par score expected in a high‑octane Hundred format. A key factor in keeping the total modest was the skillful off‑spin of West Indies star Hayley Matthews, who, after delivering an economical spell of 4 overs for 22 runs, turned the tables with the ball, stifling the home side’s middle‑order push.
Her variations in flight and pace forced the MI London batters into a tentative approach, limiting their ability to accelerate. Matthews, however, was not finished with her all‑round display.
When it was her turn to bat, she produced a resilient knock of 32 runs off 28 balls, demonstrating the classic all‑rounder’s knack for contributing in both departments. Her innings, though valuable, was eventually curtailed by Izzy Wong, who claimed her wicket for 1 over and 20 runs, adding a crucial breakthrough for the Brave. The chase for MI London was anchored by a formidable partnership that seemed to tilt the balance in their favor.
Danni Wyatt‑Hodge, playing with characteristic power, smashed an unbeaten 52 off just 42 deliveries, her aggressive intent evident in every boundary. Supporting her, captain Hollie Armitage added a steady 27, guiding the side through the middle overs and keeping the required run rate within reach. As the innings progressed, the pair steered MI London into a commanding position, needing only eight runs from the final five balls – a scenario that appeared almost certain to result in a victory.
Yet cricket’s unpredictability reared its head in the final over. Lauren Bell, the Brave’s pace bowler, was handed the responsibility of defending the slender lead. Demonstrating composure under pressure, Bell delivered a superb final over that left MI London needing four runs off the very last delivery.
Danni Wyatt‑Hodge, who had been the main engine of the chase, attempted to find a boundary, but Bell’s disciplined line and length kept the ball away from the sweet spot, ultimately denying the winning run. When the final ball was bowled, the scoreboard read 126‑7 for the Brave and 125‑9 for MI London – a one‑run difference that sealed the Brave’s triumph.
The victory marked Southern Brave’s third consecutive win in the competition, extending their lead at the summit of the Women’s Hundred standings to a comfortable six‑point cushion over the Manchester Super Giants. In contrast, MI London’s woes continued unabated; they remain winless and anchored at the bottom of the table, their campaign in need of a dramatic turnaround.
Reflecting on the match, Player of the Match Jemimah Rodrigues expressed her delight on Sky Sports, highlighting the team’s belief and composure. "This team has great belief," she said.
"What sets us apart is the calmness. We kept believing." Her comments underscored the mental resilience that proved decisive in a contest where every run mattered.
Matthews, despite being on the losing side, also shared her perspective on the pitch conditions, noting the challenges posed by the wicket. "It was a tricky wicket. If you hit good lengths, it becomes tough to hit boundaries. I know I am standing here with the Player of the Match trophy, but one of our bowlers should have got it, they bowled really well," she remarked, acknowledging the collective effort of the Brave’s bowlers.
The match also served as a reminder of the broader narrative within The Hundred’s women’s competition, where teams are jostling for supremacy in a format that demands both aggressive scoring and disciplined bowling. With the Brave now firmly in control of the leaderboard, the upcoming fixtures promise intense battles, especially as Manchester Super Giants look to close the gap and MI London seeks its first win of the season. Fans can stay updated with the latest tables, squad announcements for the 2026 season, and live streaming options via NOW. The next double‑header featuring Sunrisers Leeds against Manchester Super Giants, both men’s and women’s teams, is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 3:00 pm, offering another exciting chapter in the evolving story of The Hundred.