LONDON — In a historic and dominant display at the Home of Cricket, the Northern Superchargers women’s team cruised to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the Southern Brave to claim their first-ever Hundred title. In front of a packed Lord’s crowd, the Superchargers, led by a blistering half-century from their captain, Lauren Winfield-Hill, chased down a modest target of 102 with 25 balls to spare, etching their name on the trophy for the very first time.
The final, a repeat of the 2022 showpiece where the Brave emerged victorious, was flipped entirely on its head this time around. From the moment Southern Brave captain Anya Shrubsole won the toss and elected to bat, the Superchargers’ bowlers seized control, delivering a masterclass in disciplined, aggressive bowling that never allowed the defending champions to gain any momentum. The Brave’s innings stuttered from the outset, failing to recover from the early loss of key wickets.
Brave's Batting Stifled from the Start
The tone for the match was set in the very first set of five balls. England’s star all-rounder, Georgia Adams, was dismissed for a golden duck, caught behind off the bowling of the impressive Grace Ballinger. The pressure never relented. The Superchargers’ attack, a blend of pace and cunning spin, exploited the conditions perfectly. Key performers included:
- Grace Ballinger (2/13): The left-arm seamer was virtually unplayable, her early breakthroughs crippling the Brave's top order.
- Alice Davidson-Richards (2/11): The all-rounder delivered a miserly spell, taking two crucial wickets in the middle phase.
- Linsey Smith (1/16): The left-arm spinner maintained a stranglehold, conceding runs at a minimal rate.
Only Danni Wyatt (24) and Freya Kemp (16) offered any semblance of resistance, but neither could break the shackles and build a match-defining partnership. The Brave’s innings concluded on a paltry 101 for 7 from their 100 balls, a total that always looked well below par on a good Lord’s batting surface. Reflecting on the performance, Brave captain Anya Shrubsole admitted, "We were probably 30 or 40 runs short. We never got going with the bat and full credit to the Superchargers bowlers, they were outstanding and put us under constant pressure."
A Captain's Knock Seals the Deal
In response, the Superchargers’ chase was a model of efficiency and controlled aggression. Any nerves were swiftly extinguished by their inspirational leader, Lauren Winfield-Hill. She launched a calculated assault on the Brave bowlers, striking the ball with immense power and precision to all parts of the ground. Her innings of 57 from just 38 balls, featuring nine fours and a six, was the cornerstone of the victory. She shared a crucial 51-run partnership with Marie Kelly (13) that effectively ended the contest as a genuine spectacle.
Winfield-Hill’s assault was so commanding that the required run rate never climbed above a run-a-ball. Even after she was dismissed by Lauren Bell, the result was a mere formality. Jemma Graves hit the winning runs, sparking wild celebrations among the Superchargers players and their travelling support. An emotional Winfield-Hill, holding the trophy aloft, dedicated the win to her team and the fans, stating, "This is just an incredible feeling. The girls were phenomenal today. We knew we had to be aggressive and take the game on, and I'm just so proud of how every single player stood up and delivered on the biggest stage."
A Triumph Built on Team Unity
Beyond the individual brilliance of Winfield-Hill and the bowlers, the victory was a testament to the Superchargers’ incredible team ethos and strategic planning throughout the competition. After finishing near the bottom of the table in the previous season, they rebuilt and came into the 2023 tournament with a clear game plan and a fearless attitude. Coach Dani Hazell was instrumental in creating a positive and confident environment, which was evident in their flawless fielding performance and unwavering self-belief in the final.
The significance of winning at Lord’s was not lost on the players. For many, it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. All-rounder Alice Davidson-Richards echoed the sentiments of the squad, saying, "To win at Lord's is what you dream of as a kid. The atmosphere was electric, and to do it with this group of girls makes it even more special. We've fought hard all tournament and to put in a performance like that in the final is just the perfect way to finish." The win not only secures the trophy but also provides a massive boost for women’s cricket in the northern region, inspiring a new generation of players.
A New Era for The Hundred?
This victory for the Northern Superchargers potentially signals a shift in the balance of power within The Hundred women’s competition. For the first three editions, the Oval Invincibles and Southern Brave had established a duopoly, winning the titles between them. The Superchargers’ breakthrough proves the increasing depth and competitiveness of the league, where any team, on its day, can beat any other. It sets a thrilling precedent for future seasons and demonstrates the continued growth and professionalization of the women’s game.
The final was also a showcase for the sport itself, played in front of a vibrant, record-breaking crowd that created a festival atmosphere. The accessibility and fast-paced nature of The Hundred continue to attract new audiences to cricket, and this gripping final, despite its one-sided nature, served as a perfect advertisement for the skill and excitement of the women’s format.
As the fireworks exploded over the iconic Lord’s pavilion and the Northern Superchargers began their celebrations, the message was clear: a new champion had arrived. Through a combination of ruthless bowling, explosive batting, and unwavering team spirit, they had dethroned the champions and written their own chapter in the short but storied history of The Hundred. This victory is more than just a title; it is a landmark moment for a franchise and a statement of intent for the future.