In a pulsating contest at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, Southern Brave managed to out‑run MI London by the slimmest of margins – just one run – after a dramatic climax that unfolded on the very last delivery of the innings. The match, part of the women’s edition of The Hundred, showcased a blend of aggressive batting, cunning spin, and clutch bowling that kept spectators on the edge of their seats from the first ball to the final over. The Brave’s innings began with a burst of intent from their top order. Opener Jemimah Rodrigues set the tone by smashing 32 runs off just 22 balls, displaying a mixture of powerful drives and deft flicks that put immediate pressure on the MI London bowlers.
Right alongside her, fellow opener Maia Bouchier contributed 31 runs from an equally brisk 22‑ball cameo, further cementing the early momentum. The partnership was capped off by the South African star Laura Wolvaardt, who emerged as the highest run‑getter of the innings with a composed 35 runs. Wolvaardt’s innings was a masterclass in timing and placement, as she rotated the strike efficiently and found the boundary at crucial junctures, helping the Brave post a total of 126 for 7 after their allotted 100 balls. MI London’s response was anchored by the West Indian all‑rounder Hayley Matthews, who had already made a significant impact with the ball.
Matthews delivered an impressive spell of off‑spin, claiming four wickets for 22 runs and unsettling the Brave’s middle order. Her variations – a mix of flighted deliveries, subtle turn, and a well‑timed arm ball – forced mistakes and kept the run‑rate in check. After her bowling heroics, Matthews turned the tables with the bat, adding a quick‑fire 32 runs off 28 balls. Her innings was a blend of aggression and calculated risk, as she sought to keep MI London within touching distance of the target.
The turning point of the chase arrived when MI London lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, leaving them needing eight runs from the final five balls. At this juncture, the partnership between Danni Wyatt‑Hodge and captain Hollie Armitage became the focal point. Wyatt‑Hodge, known for her power hitting, struck a half‑century – 52 runs off just 42 balls – showcasing a range of shots that included lofted pulls, crisp drives, and well‑timed sweeps. Her partner, Armitice, contributed a steady 27 runs, anchoring the chase and rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking.
As the tension built, MI London required four runs off the very last ball. The responsibility fell to England fast‑bowler Lauren Bell, who had been entrusted with the final over. Bell, renowned for her pace and accuracy, delivered a superb final over that left MI London’s hopes hanging by a thread. On the penultimate delivery, Bell bowled a tight length ball that forced Wyatt‑Hodge into a defensive shot, and the final ball saw Bell execute a well‑placed yorker that missed the boundary by a whisker.
The result: MI London fell short by a single run, and Southern Brave celebrated a hard‑won victory. The win marked Brave’s third straight triumph in the competition, extending their lead at the summit of the Hundred standings to six points ahead of the Manchester Super Giants.
The victory also highlighted the stark contrast between the two sides: while Brave have been consistently accumulating points and demonstrating composure under pressure, MI London continue to struggle, remaining winless and anchored at the bottom of the women’s table. Reflecting on the match, Player of the Match Jemimah Rodrigues praised her teammates’ belief and composure during her post‑match interview on Sky Sports. “This team has great belief,” Rodrigues said. “What sets us apart is the calmness.
We kept believing, even when the game got tight.” Her comments underscored the mental resilience that has become a hallmark of the Brave’s campaign. Matthews, despite being on the losing side, offered a measured assessment of the pitch and conditions.
“It was a tricky wicket. If you hit good lengths, it becomes tough to hit boundaries,” she explained. “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.” Her remarks highlighted the fine margins that often decide matches in The Hundred, where a single mis‑executed delivery can swing the outcome.
Looking ahead, the competition remains wide open. The next double‑header features Sunrisers Leeds taking on Manchester Super Giants in both the men’s and women’s fixtures, with live coverage on Sky Sports starting at 3:00 pm. Fans can also follow the latest tables, squad announcements for the 2026 season, and streaming options on NOW, which offers contract‑free access to The Hundred and other sporting events. In summary, the match was a showcase of high‑octane cricket, where strategic batting, incisive spin, and decisive death‑over bowling converged to produce a finish that will be remembered for its intensity.
Southern Brave’s ability to hold their nerve in the final over, combined with MI London’s valiant but ultimately insufficient chase, encapsulated the excitement and unpredictability that define The Hundred’s women’s competition.