The 2026 edition of The Hundred Women’s competition began with a thrilling contest as Southern Brave Women defeated Welsh Fire Women by eight runs at The Rose Bowl in Southampton. The opening match of the new season had everything, including a brilliant batting display, a dramatic run-out, and a match winning bowling performance from captain Sophie Molineux.
After being asked to bat first, Southern Brave posted 126 for 7 from their 100 balls before producing an outstanding fightback with the ball to secure an impressive victory in front of their home fans.
Laura Wolvaardt Holds the Innings Together
Southern Brave did not enjoy the best of starts as Welsh Fire’s bowlers kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. Australian all-rounder Heather Graham was the standout performer for the visitors, finishing with exceptional figures of 4 wickets for 19 runs from her 20 balls.
Despite the early setbacks, South African batter Laura Wolvaardt played a composed innings to keep Southern Brave in the contest. She remained unbeaten on 45 from 36 balls, anchoring the innings with sensible shot selection and excellent placement.
Former South Africa captain Lizelle Lee provided useful support with 31 runs, while captain Sophie Molineux chipped in with 22 valuable runs. Their contributions helped Southern Brave recover from a difficult position and reach a competitive total of 126 for 7.
Welsh Fire Make a Flying Start
Chasing 127 for victory, Welsh Fire looked to be cruising towards the target. Georgia Voll led the charge with a brilliant half century, scoring 52 runs, while Freya Kemp played an aggressive knock of 39.
The pair added a crucial partnership that took Welsh Fire to 80 for 1 in just 58 balls, putting the chasing side firmly in control. At that stage, Southern Brave appeared to be running out of ideas as the required run rate remained well under control.
Jemimah Rodrigues Changes the Game
The turning point came through a moment of brilliance in the field. India’s Jemimah Rodrigues produced a superb direct hit to run out Freya Kemp, breaking the dangerous partnership that had dominated the chase.
That single moment completely shifted the momentum. Welsh Fire suddenly lost confidence, while Southern Brave found renewed energy with both the ball and in the field.
Sophie Molineux Leads from the Front
Captain Sophie Molineux then produced the match-winning spell. The Australian left-arm spinner claimed 3 wickets for just 14 runs from her 20 balls, removing key batters and putting Welsh Fire under immense pressure.
She received excellent support from the pace attack as Lauren Bell returned figures of 2 for 20, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman also picked up 2 for 22. Their disciplined bowling in the closing stages ensured Welsh Fire could only reach 118 for 8, falling eight runs short of the target.
Molineux’s all-round contribution earned her the Player of the Match award and gave Southern Brave the perfect start to their 2026 campaign.
Overall, the match delivered an exciting opening to The Hundred Women’s competition 2026. Southern Brave showed great character to defend a modest total, while Welsh Fire will look to learn from a dramatic collapse after being in complete control for much of the chase.
