Jemimah Rodrigues produced a composed unbeaten innings to guide Southern Brave to a five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Leeds in the fifth match of the Women’s Hundred 2026 at Headingley.
The contest, played on July 25 as the opening fixture of the tournament’s first double-header day, saw Danielle Gibson lead Sunrisers Leeds against Sophie Molineux’s Southern Brave.
Rodrigues finished unbeaten on 42 from 34 deliveries as Brave chased down a target of 117 with four balls remaining.
Southern Brave Bowl Out Sunrisers for 116
Southern Brave’s bowlers delivered an impressive performance after Sunrisers Leeds were asked to set a total. The hosts struggled to build momentum on a slow surface and were eventually bowled out for 116, leaving Brave with what initially appeared to be a manageable chase.
However, the target became more challenging when the visitors lost three early wickets with only 36 runs on the board.
Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt were among the batters dismissed during the difficult start.
Rodrigues Rebuilds with Molineux
Rodrigues was unbeaten on just two from seven balls when the third wicket fell, but she remained patient and began rebuilding the innings alongside captain Sophie Molineux. The pair added an important 35-run partnership that steadied Southern Brave after the early setbacks.
Rodrigues initially struggled to time the ball, reaching only 15 from 22 deliveries by the time Molineux was dismissed for 21 from 17 balls.
Despite the slow start, the India batter continued to occupy the crease and waited for the right moment to accelerate.
Grewcock Partnership Turns the Chase
Jodi Grewcock joined Rodrigues after Molineux’s departure, and the pair put together a decisive 39-run stand. Rodrigues found her rhythm during the partnership, scoring 27 runs from her next 12 balls.
Two consecutive boundaries off Sunrisers captain Danielle Gibson shifted the momentum firmly in Southern Brave’s favour and eased the pressure created by the rising required rate.
Rodrigues eventually completed the chase with a reverse sweep off Jess Jonassen, securing victory with five wickets and four balls remaining.
Southern Brave Move Top of the Table
The result gave Southern Brave their second victory from two matches and moved them to the top of the points table with eight points.
Rodrigues’ ability to remain calm during the difficult early stages and accelerate later proved crucial on a surface that made fluent strokeplay difficult. Her unbeaten innings earned her the Player of the Match award.
“Not my most pleasing innings, but the team won, and that’s all that matters,” Rodrigues said.
“It was a good pitch; some balls held in the surface, and I felt I wasn’t timing it well. I just needed to stay there and build partnerships. My batting partners helped me.”
Southern Brave will next face MI London in Southampton on July 27.
