Hayley Matthews delivered an outstanding all-round performance as Welsh Fire secured a spot in The Hundred women’s final with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Southern Brave at the Utilita Bowl.
Matthews was instrumental in the victory, first with the ball, where she claimed 4-14, reducing Southern Brave to a modest total of 103. She then showcased her batting prowess, scoring an unbeaten 35 off 26 balls, guiding Welsh Fire to a comfortable win with 26 balls to spare.
Tammy Beaumont, the Fire captain, led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten 59 from 40 deliveries, which included 10 boundaries, ensuring a smooth chase for her team.
Southern Brave’s batting lineup faltered early, collapsing to 15-3 and later to 47-7, with Australian spinner Jess Jonassen adding to their woes by taking 3-21. Chloe Tryon was the only batter who offered some resistance for Brave, contributing 55 from 38 balls—more than half of the team's total.
Although Oval Invincibles matched Fire’s points tally by defeating Trent Rockets in a later match, Fire advanced to the final due to their superior net run-rate. The Invincibles will now face London Spirit in Saturday’s Eliminator, with the winner earning the right to challenge Welsh Fire in the final at Lord’s on Sunday.