Welsh Fire completely reversed their fortunes in a dramatic showdown against the unbeaten Southern Brave, clinching a last‑ball win in Cardiff that will be remembered as one of the most electrifying finishes in The Hundred’s history. The match seemed destined to follow a familiar script for the visitors: post a modest total, unleash a ferocious bowling attack and force the opposition into a chase that would end in defeat. However, a series of explosive innings from Heather Graham and Niamh Holland in the final overs turned the tide, delivering a victory that kept Welsh Fire’s campaign alive and injected fresh excitement into the tournament.
The stakes were high for Welsh Fire. They entered the contest on the back of two consecutive losses and were also coping with the absence of their captain, Sophie Devine, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a calf injury. The loss of their leader had left a leadership vacuum and amplified the pressure to secure a win against the league‑leading Brave, who had remained unbeaten up to that point. The Brave’s record was impressive: in their previous five matches they had defended totals of 126‑7 and 140‑3, and successfully chased 115 and 117.
Notably, they were the only side across both the men’s and women’s competitions that had never posted a score beyond 140, underscoring the defensive strength of their bowling unit. The match began with an unusual decision from Southern Brave’s captain Sophie Molineux, who became the first captain to win the toss and elect to bat in this year’s women’s tournament. The Brave’s top order collapsed quickly, losing both openers within the first 16 deliveries. Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues then attempted to steady the innings, but the pitch offered significant turn, making run‑scoring a challenging proposition.
By the halfway point, the Brave were precariously placed at 121‑5, and the momentum appeared to be shifting toward Welsh Fire, who sensed an opportunity to capitalize on the opposition’s bowling firepower. As the innings progressed, Georgia Voll edged past Sophia Dunkley to become the leading run‑scorer of the 2026 competition.
However, her momentum was halted when she was dismissed for 11 by Tilly Corteen‑Coleman’s second ball, and a young spinner subsequently trapped Ella McCaughan in a stumping. These wickets kept the Brave’s total within reach of the Fire’s chase target, setting the stage for a nail‑biting finish. Welsh Fire’s bowling attack, anchored by the economical Issy Wong, applied relentless pressure. Wong’s spell included a crucial wicket of Orla Prendergast, the stand‑in captain who had replaced the injured Devine.
Despite a few wides that gave the Brave a brief respite, the Fire remained in control for most of the innings. The turning point came when Lauren Bell delivered a slower, deceptive ball that fooled Brave batter Wareham, leaving Welsh Fire needing 52 runs from the final 38 balls.
At this juncture, debutant Grace Thompson, who had been drafted in for Em Arlott, made an unexpected impact with a six‑four combination that rattled the Brave’s confidence. Although Thompson was later dismissed, the brief surge suggested that the experienced duo of Molineux and Bell might be able to steer the Brave home.
Yet, the narrative shifted dramatically when Niamh Holland arrived at the crease. Holland, displaying a blend of elegance and power, swept and drove the ball to the boundary repeatedly, reducing the requirement to three runs off the final two deliveries. The climax unfolded in a heartbeat.
With one run required off the last ball, Lee, the Brave’s fielder, had a clear chance to run Graham out but mishandled the throw, dropping the ball and allowing the winning run to be taken. Graham, seizing the moment, struck a decisive boundary past Bell’s in‑field, sealing a thrilling victory for Welsh Fire.
In post‑match interviews, Graham praised Holland’s composure, stating, "For Niamh to come in at the end, run really well with me, and hit a few boundaries herself, the win is more for those guys than me. It’s always nerve‑wracking in situations like that.
I’ve played for many years and been in plenty of tight games, so you just rely on those past experiences to help you over the line." The win not only broke Welsh Fire’s losing streak but also demonstrated the depth of talent within their squad, highlighting how younger players like Holland and Thompson can influence high‑pressure scenarios. It also underscored the unpredictable nature of The Hundred, where a single over can dramatically alter the outcome. Looking ahead, The Hundred schedule continues with a clash on Tuesday when SunRisers Leeds host London Spirit at Headingley. The women’s game will kick off at 3 p.m., followed by the men’s contest at 6:30 p.m.
Fans can follow every match through to the finals on Sunday, 16 August, with live streaming available on NOW, providing free, contract‑free access to all the action. The tournament promises more thrilling encounters, and Welsh Fire’s resurgence adds an extra layer of intrigue to the competition’s unfolding narrative.