Southern Brave continued their flawless run in this season's The Hundred, securing a comfortable 24‑run triumph over Birmingham Phoenix and preserving their unbeaten record. The match, played at the expansive Southampton ground, pitted the tournament leaders against the table‑bottom side, and the result reinforced the gap between the two squads. The Brave entered the game having won all three of their previous fixtures, and they approached the encounter with the confidence that comes from a perfect start.
Birmingham Phoenix, on the other hand, were desperate for their first win and had been struggling at the foot of the standings. Their hopes were quickly dented when they were bowled out for 117 in response to the Brave's imposing total of 141. **First innings – Southern Brave bat first** Winning the toss, the Brave elected to set a target.
Their innings was anchored by an aggressive opening partnership that laid the foundation for a competitive score. Lizelle Lee, who had already shown her power‑hitting credentials, exploded in the powerplay, smashing a rapid 43 off just 23 balls.
Her innings featured the only two sixes of the match, each coming at a crucial moment to keep the run rate high. Supporting her was Maia Bouchier, who contributed a brisk 45 from 31 deliveries, playing a series of well‑timed boundaries that complemented Lee's on‑slaught.
The middle order added depth and stability. Alice Capsey, who had impressed earlier with her bowling, turned her attention to the bat and provided a steady flow of runs, while Ellyse Perry, the experienced Australian all‑rounder, chipped in with valuable runs and a few well‑placed fours.
As the innings progressed, the Brave’s run rate remained healthy, and they reached 141 for the loss of only three wickets, a total that proved too much for the struggling Phoenix. **Second innings – Birmingham Phoenix chase** Chasing 141, the Phoenix started positively, reaching 50 for the loss of no wickets after 37 balls.
Tammy Beaumont and Davina Perrin were the primary architects of this early platform, both playing with composure and finding the gaps. However, the momentum shifted when the strategic timeout was called, signalling a crucial juncture in the chase. At that point, the Phoenix needed 54 runs from the remaining 30 balls, but the loss of Beaumont for 22 (23) disrupted their plans.
The breakthrough came when Alice Capsey, who had earlier dazzled with the ball, delivered a cleverly disguised slower ball to Lauren Bell, who mistimed her shot and was caught in the extra‑cover region on her ninth delivery of the innings. The dismissal set off a chain reaction. Davina Perrin, who had been the most resilient batter for the Phoenix and had just celebrated a 40‑ball half‑century, was soon out after a mistimed lofted shot that sent Sarah Glenn’s leg‑break soaring to Maia Bouchier at long‑on.
Perrin’s wicket proved to be the turning point, as the Phoenix’s innings collapsed rapidly. Sophie Molineux, the Phoenix captain, stepped up with the ball, claiming two crucial wickets and taking her tournament tally to seven. She worked in tandem with fellow left‑arm spinner Tilly Courten‑Coleman, applying relentless pressure and forcing the Brave’s batters into defensive strokes.
Even the experienced Ellyse Perry could not pull the Phoenix back into contention, as her attempts at long‑handed boundaries fell short, leaving the side 24 runs short of the target. **Key performances and statistics** - **Lizelle Lee (Brave)**: 43 off 23 balls, two sixes, pivotal in setting a challenging total. - **Maia Bouchier (Brave)**: 45 off 31 balls, aggressive stroke‑play throughout the innings. - **Jemimah Rodrigues (Brave)**: Finished the innings strongly, hitting three fours in the final five balls, helping to seal the win.
- **Sophie Molineux (Phoenix captain)**: Took 2 wickets, total of 7 wickets in the tournament, showcasing her all‑round capabilities. - **Alice Capsey (Brave)**: Contributed both with bat and ball, taking a key wicket with a slower ball and adding valuable runs. **Post‑match reactions** Lizelle Lee, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on the conditions and the team’s performance: "I think it was better to bat against the new ball out there.
It came off the wicket a bit easier and as soon as the ball got a bit softer, it became harder to play. Our batters did really well at the end to get us up to a good score, and that set us apart." She also praised the bowling unit: "Our bowlers are not getting enough credit. They've bowled extremely well, they get us out of everything. Everyone's gelling pretty well and we seem to be able to get over the line in tough situations.
Sophie Molineux as captain is such a calm presence on the field and I feel that is flowing into everybody, and it shows." **Looking ahead** The Brave’s victory means they remain 4‑0, keeping the pressure on the other teams as the tournament progresses. Their blend of aggressive top‑order batting and disciplined bowling has proven a winning formula. Meanwhile, Birmingham Phoenix must regroup quickly. With their first win still elusive, the Phoenix will need to address their middle‑order fragility and find ways to chase down targets more effectively.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming clash between Manchester Super Giants and Trent Rockets on Friday, broadcast live on Sky Sports. The women's fixture will kick off at 3 pm, followed by the men's game at 6:30 pm, offering a full day of high‑octane cricket action. For those wanting a smoother viewing experience, a Chrome browser is recommended for the video player. The Hundred continues to deliver thrilling moments, from record‑breaking performances such as Phoebe Litchfield’s fastest fifty in the women’s competition to dramatic eliminators and finals.
As the season unfolds, the competition remains fierce, and each match adds a new chapter to the evolving story of this innovative cricket format.