LONDON — Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s explosive 59 and a brilliant all-round performance from Sophie Devine propelled Southern Brave to a thrilling 15-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, keeping their playoff hopes alive in front of a packed Ageas Bowl crowd.
Wyatt-Hodge’s Blistering Knock
Southern Brave’s innings was built around a scintillating half-century from opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge, who smashed 59 off just 34 balls, including 9 fours and a towering six. Her aggressive start set the tone for the Brave, who posted a formidable 143/6 in their 100-ball allocation. "I just wanted to be positive from the start," Wyatt-Hodge said post-match. "The pitch was good, and I backed myself to take on the bowlers."
Phoenix’s bowlers struggled to contain Wyatt-Hodge, particularly in the powerplay, where she raced to 30 off just 15 deliveries. Her partnership with Smriti Mandhana (22 off 18) laid a solid foundation before Sophie Devine (28 off 20) provided the late fireworks.
- Key Moments: Wyatt-Hodge’s back-to-back boundaries off Issy Wong in the 15th ball set.
- Turning Point: Her dismissal, caught at deep midwicket, slowed Brave’s momentum slightly.
- Impact: Her innings earned her Player of the Match honors.
Devine’s All-Round Masterclass
New Zealand superstar Sophie Devine was instrumental with both bat and ball, first contributing a quickfire 28 before taking 2/19 with her medium pace. Her crucial wickets of Phoenix’s top-scorer Eve Jones (42 off 31) and Amy Jones (18 off 12) derailed the chase. "Sophie’s experience is invaluable," said Brave captain Anya Shrubsole. "She steps up when we need her most."
Phoenix’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Birmingham Phoenix fought hard in reply, with Eve Jones anchoring the innings. However, regular wickets and tight bowling from Lauren Bell (2/22) and Devine kept the pressure on. A late flurry from Emily Arlott (21* off 12) wasn’t enough as Phoenix finished on 128/7.
"We left ourselves too much to do at the end," admitted Phoenix skipper Amy Jones. "Credit to Brave’s bowlers—they held their nerve."
Standings Implications
The win moves Southern Brave into third place, just two points behind leaders Oval Invincibles, while Phoenix remain mid-table. With three games left, Brave are firmly in the playoff hunt. "Every game is a must-win now," said Devine. "We’re peaking at the right time."
Conclusion
Southern Brave’s balanced performance, spearheaded by Wyatt-Hodge and Devine, showcased their title credentials. As The Hundred enters its decisive phase, Brave’s momentum could prove pivotal. Meanwhile, Phoenix must regroup quickly to keep their playoff dreams alive.