Southern Brave continued their flawless run in this season's The Hundred, securing a comfortable 24‑run win against Birmingham Phoenix and preserving their perfect record. The match, played at the expansive Southampton venue, saw the Brave post a respectable total of 141 runs, a score that proved just beyond the reach of a Phoenix side still searching for their inaugural victory. From the outset, the Phoenix were put under pressure by a disciplined bowling unit that restricted the Brave’s scoring opportunities. After a cautious start, the Brave managed to accelerate, thanks to a series of aggressive strokes and clever shot selection.
Their innings was anchored by a quick‑fire 43‑run cameo from Lizzie Lee, who struck the only two sixes of the game within just 23 balls, and a composed 45‑run effort from Maia Bouchier, who made the most of her 31‑ball stay at the crease. The lower order added valuable runs, with Jemimah Rodrigues contributing three fours in the final five balls, pushing the total to a competitive 141.
Birmingham Phoenix began their chase needing 141 runs, but the early loss of Tammy Beaumont for 22 left them on shaky ground. Despite a promising start that saw them reach 50 runs off 37 balls, the Phoenix’s momentum stalled after a strategic timeout. The required rate of 54 runs from the remaining 30 balls proved too steep, and the innings soon began to unravel.
Key moments in the chase included Alice Capsey’s brilliant spell with the ball, where she delivered a deceptive slower ball to Lauren Bell that was caught in the extra‑cover region on her ninth delivery. The pivotal wicket of Davina Perrin, who had been the only Phoenix batter to reach a half‑century, came when she attempted a lofted shot off a leg‑break from Sarah Glenn and was caught by Maia Bouchier at long‑on. Perrin’s dismissal effectively ended any hope of a comeback.
The left‑arm spinner Sophie Molineux proved instrumental, claiming two crucial wickets and finishing with figures that placed her among the tournament’s leading wicket‑takers. She worked in tandem with fellow spinner Tilly Courten‑Coleman, applying relentless pressure that forced the Phoenix into a series of defensive strokes. Even the experienced Ellyse Perry could not turn the tide, as her attempts at long‑handed boundaries failed to close the gap, leaving the Phoenix 24 runs short of the target.
Post‑match, Brave captain Sophie Molineux was praised for her calm leadership on the field, a quality that seemed to permeate the entire side. Lizzie Lee, reflecting on the innings, noted that batting against the new ball had been advantageous early on, but as the ball softened, the challenge increased. She highlighted the collective effort of the bowlers, emphasizing that their disciplined performances were crucial in defending the total.
The victory not only kept Southern Brave unbeaten—four wins from four matches—but also underscored the growing gulf between the top and bottom of the table. Birmingham Phoenix, still languishing at the foot of the standings, remain winless and will need to regroup quickly if they hope to avoid a prolonged losing streak. Looking ahead, Manchester Super Giants are set to host Trent Rockets on Friday, with the women's fixture scheduled for 3 p.m. and the men's game following at 6:30 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Fans can also catch more action from The Hundred and other contract‑free cricket on the NOW platform. In summary, Southern Brave’s blend of aggressive batting, strategic bowling changes, and composed leadership ensured a dominant performance, extending their unbeaten run and sending a clear message to the rest of the competition: the Brave are not only unbeaten but also increasingly confident in their ability to close out matches under pressure.