Southern Brave vs Welsh Fire: The 19th match of The Hundred saw a major upset at Cardiff. Undefeated table-toppers Southern Brave suffered a thrilling three-wicket loss to Welsh Fire off the last ball. This was Southern Brave’s first group stage defeat since 2024. Now fourth in the points table and reeling from the loss of their captain Sophie Devine to an injury, this victory was crucial for Welsh Fire. With this resounding victory, Welsh Fire kept their hopes alive in the tournament.
Southern Brave’s batting slowed down again
After winning the toss, Southern Brave captain Sophie Molineux elected to bat for the first time this season. However, her decision proved unwise on the turning Cardiff pitch, as both openers departed within just 16 balls. Laura Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues then steadied the innings at a slow pace, managing only 121 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 100 balls. Meanwhile, young Welsh Fire spinner Tilly Courtin-Coleman bowled brilliantly.
Welsh Fire won on the last ball
Welsh Fire, chasing a target of 122, also got off to a poor start. Georgia Woll, who surpassed Sophia Dunkley to become the tournament’s leading run-scorer, was dismissed early. At one point, Welsh Fire needed 52 runs from 38 balls, and their top batsmen were back in the pavilion. But a six and a four from debutant Grace Thompson turned the match around.
In the final over, youngster Niam Holland hit a superb boundary to bring the equation down to 3 runs off the last two balls. After a missed run-out opportunity on the fourth ball, they needed 1 run off the last ball. Then, Heather Graham smashed a shot over the infield off Lauren Bell’s last ball to give the team a historic victory.