SOUTHAMPTON — Southern Brave delivered a dominant performance against Oval Invincibles, securing an emphatic 89-run victory—the largest margin by runs in the history of The Hundred’s women’s competition—to solidify their position at the top of the table.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Southern Brave’s commanding win was built on a stellar all-round display, with both bat and ball firing in unison. After posting a formidable total of 157/6, their bowlers dismantled the Invincibles’ lineup, restricting them to a meager 68 all out. The 89-run margin surpassed the previous record of 63 runs, set by Birmingham Phoenix in 2022.
Brave captain Anya Shrubsole lauded her team’s clinical execution: "To win by such a margin in a competition as competitive as The Hundred is incredible. Every player contributed, and the way we bowled and fielded was exceptional."
Batting Fireworks Set the Tone
The Brave’s innings was anchored by opener Danni Wyatt, who smashed a blistering 59 off 38 balls, including eight boundaries. Wyatt’s aggressive start laid the foundation, with crucial contributions from Smriti Mandhana (32) and Georgia Adams (25) ensuring a challenging target.
Key moments in the Brave’s innings included:
- Wyatt’s explosive powerplay, scoring 30 off the first 20 balls
- A 65-run partnership between Wyatt and Mandhana
- Late cameos from Adams and Freya Kemp to push the total beyond 150
Bowlers Seal the Deal
The Invincibles’ chase never gained momentum, as the Brave’s bowling attack struck early and often. Lauren Bell and Georgia Adams shared five wickets between them, with Bell’s 3/10 being the standout performance. The Invincibles lost wickets at regular intervals, collapsing to their lowest-ever total in the competition.
Invincibles captain Dane van Niekerk admitted: "We were completely outplayed today. Southern Brave were relentless, and we couldn’t find any answers. It’s a tough loss, but we’ll regroup."
Key Bowling Stats:
- Lauren Bell: 3/10 in 20 balls
- Georgia Adams: 2/12 in 15 balls
- Anya Shrubsole: 1/8 in 15 balls
Table-Topping Momentum
With this victory, Southern Brave extended their lead at the top of The Hundred standings, now sitting three points clear of second-placed Trent Rockets. Their net run rate of +1.42 further cements their dominance, making them strong favorites for the knockout stages.
Brave coach Charlotte Edwards praised the team’s consistency: "We’ve been building towards performances like this. The players are executing their roles perfectly, and the belief in the group is sky-high."
Looking Ahead
The Invincibles, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to qualify, slipping to fifth in the table. Their next fixture against Manchester Originals is now a must-win. For the Brave, the focus shifts to maintaining momentum as they prepare to face Birmingham Phoenix.
As the competition reaches its climax, Southern Brave have sent a resounding message to their rivals. With their record-breaking win, they’ve not only topped the table but also stamped their authority as the team to beat in The Hundred.
"This is the standard we’ve set," said Shrubsole. "Now it’s about maintaining it and finishing the job."