THE OVAL — Southern Brave created history on Wednesday evening, becoming the first team to complete a perfect group stage in The Hundred, warming up for Sunday's final with a commanding 29-run victory over Welsh Fire.
The defending champions, who had already secured their place at Lord's, made it eight wins from eight in the women's competition with a dominant all-round display. Their emphatic finish sends a chilling warning to their final opponents, Northern Superchargers, that the Brave are in formidable form as they seek to retain their title.
A Record-Breaking Campaign
No team in the four-year history of The Hundred's women's tournament has managed to navigate the group phase without a single blemish. Southern Brave's 2024 campaign has been a masterclass in consistency, power, and tactical nous. From their opening win to this final group game, they have showcased a depth of talent that has simply overwhelmed the opposition.
Their key strengths throughout have been:
- Explosive Top Order: The firepower of Danni Wyatt and Smriti Mandhana has provided blistering starts.
- Versatile Bowling Attack: Lauren Bell's pace, Georgia Adams' spin, and Anya Shrubsole's experience have created a multifaceted threat.
- Clinical Fielding: A sharp, athletic unit that has created pressure and taken spectacular catches.
Commanding Performance Against Welsh Fire
Put into bat first, the Brave's innings was built on a spectacular foundation laid by opener Danni Wyatt. The England international was in devastating touch, racing to a 25-ball half-century and ultimately top-scoring with a fiery 57 off just 36 deliveries, including 10 boundaries.
She received solid support from Smriti Mandhana (31) and a late flurry from Freya Kemp (19*), propelling the Brave to a formidable total of 157 for 5 from their 100 balls. Welsh Fire's bowlers, particularly Alex Griffiths and Claire Nicholas who took two wickets apiece, struggled to contain the constant flow of runs.
Fire's Chase Fizzles Out
In response, Welsh Fire's chase never truly gained momentum against a disciplined and aggressive Brave bowling attack. The early loss of key batter Hayley Matthews was a critical blow. While captain Sophie Luff provided some resistance with a gritty 35, the required run rate climbed inexorably.
The Brave's bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Lauren Bell struck early, Georgia Adams applied the squeeze in the middle phase with her off-spin, and Anya Shrubsole closed out the game with her trademark precision. Fire's innings petered out at 128 for 7, handing the Brave a comprehensive victory.
Captain's Delight and Looking Ahead
An ecstatic Southern Brave captain, Anya Shrubsole, praised her team's historic achievement and their focus despite already having qualified. "To go through the group stage unbeaten is an incredible effort from the girls," she said. "We never took our foot off the gas tonight. The intensity was brilliant, and it's the perfect way to head into the final."
Shrubsole also highlighted the team's collective spirit. "It's not about one or two individuals; everyone has stepped up at different times. That's what makes this team so special and so difficult to play against. We're buzzing, but we know the job isn't finished."
The Final Showdown: Brave vs. Superchargers
The stage is now set for a blockbuster final at Lord's on Sunday, where Southern Brave will face Northern Superchargers. The Superchargers, led by the prolific Hollie Armitage and featuring world-class talent like Georgia Wareham, finished second in the group and pose a significant threat.
However, the Brave will draw immense confidence from their flawless record and their dominant win over the Superchargers earlier in the tournament. The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced sides, but the Brave enter as firm favourites, riding a wave of momentum and history.
Welsh Fire head coach, Mark O'Leary, conceded the better team won on the night, acknowledging the Brave's formidable quality. "They're a fantastic side and they showed why they're champions. We were just outplayed in all departments. They'll be very hard to stop at Lord's."
A Statement of Intent
Southern Brave's perfect group stage is more than just a statistical footnote; it is a powerful statement of intent. They have not just beaten every team they've faced; they have often dominated them. This record-breaking achievement underscores their status as the premier team in the competition and places them on the brink of back-to-back titles.
As the lights go up at the Home of Cricket on Sunday, the Brave will aim to cap their perfect season with the ultimate prize. For Welsh Fire, their season ends, but for the Brave, an opportunity to cement their legacy awaits. Their message to the Superchargers is clear: they are ready, they are ruthless, and they are unbeatable.