SOUTHAMPTON — England seamer Lauren Bell delivered a match-winning performance as Southern Brave kicked off their campaign in The Hundred with a dominant six-wicket victory over Manchester Originals at the Ageas Bowl.
Bell, the 23-year-old fast bowler, ripped through the Originals' batting lineup with figures of 3-28, setting up a comfortable chase for the Brave. Her disciplined line and length, combined with deceptive pace, proved too much for the opposition, who were restricted to 125-7 in their 100 balls.
"It was a great team performance," Bell said post-match. "We knew if we stuck to our plans, we could put them under pressure. The pitch had a bit in it, and I just tried to hit my areas consistently."
Bell’s Early Strikes Set the Tone
Manchester Originals, batting first, struggled from the outset as Bell struck twice in the powerplay. She removed opener Emma Lamb (12) with a sharp inswinger before dismissing Phoebe Litchfield (9), who edged behind to keeper Chloe Tryon.
Bell’s third wicket came in the middle phase, trapping England teammate Sophie Ecclestone (14) lbw with a full delivery. Her spell ensured the Originals never gained momentum, with only Deandra Dottin (34*) providing late resistance.
Brave’s Chase Effortless Despite Early Wobble
In reply, Southern Brave lost Smriti Mandhana (5) early, but Danni Wyatt (32) and Maia Bouchier (43*) steadied the innings. Wyatt’s aggressive start included three boundaries off Ecclestone, while Bouchier anchored the chase with a composed knock.
The Brave reached their target with 15 balls to spare, sealing victory with a boundary from Freya Kemp (12*). "We wanted to make a statement," said Bouchier. "Lauren set it up beautifully, and we just had to finish the job."
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Bell’s 3-28 was the standout bowling performance, showcasing her ability to thrive under pressure.
- Manchester’s middle order struggled, with only Dottin crossing 20 runs.
- Bouchier’s unbeaten 43 highlighted her growing importance in the Brave lineup.
Post-Match Reactions
Manchester Originals captain Kate Cross admitted her side were outplayed: "We didn’t get enough runs. Lauren bowled brilliantly, and we couldn’t recover. We’ll have to regroup quickly."
Brave coach Charlotte Edwards praised Bell’s impact: "She’s been working hard on her consistency, and today showed why she’s one of the best young bowlers in the game."
Looking Ahead
Southern Brave will aim to build on this momentum when they face Birmingham Phoenix next, while Manchester Originals seek redemption against London Spirit. With Bell in this form, the Brave look early contenders for the title.
"It’s just the start," Bell added. "We’ve got a strong squad, and if we keep playing like this, we’ll be hard to stop."