Southern Brave Clinch First Victory in Women's Hundred Competition

Southern Brave, previously positioned at the bottom of the standings, claimed their first win in the women's Hundred competition, securing a seven-wicket triumph over Oval Invincibles at The Oval. The victory, determined by the DLS method, saw the Brave successfully chase a revised target of 83 with just one ball remaining.

The Invincibles, who were sent in to bat, encountered early difficulties against a sharp opening spell by Lauren Cheatle, who took 2-6. Cheatle’s bowling prowess led to the early dismissal of Chamari Athapaththu for a third-ball duck and Alice Capsey for 19. By the time 35 balls had been bowled, the Invincibles had reached 38-2 when a 90-minute rain delay interrupted play, resulting in the match being shortened to 65 balls per side.

When play resumed, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, just 16 years old, made an impact by dismissing both Lauren Winfield-Hill and Paige Scholfield in consecutive deliveries. Despite these setbacks, Marizanne Kapp managed to stabilise the innings, scoring an unbeaten 26 as the Invincibles closed their innings at 79-4.

Southern Brave’s reply got off to a shaky start when Smriti Mandhana was run out for just two runs. However, opener Danni Wyatt took control of the situation, despite being dropped twice—once by Mady Villiers on five and then by Capsey after reaching 14. Although Maia Bouchier and Freya Kemp were dismissed for low scores, Wyatt's steady hand guided the Brave towards their target. In a dramatic finish, Wyatt sealed the victory by smashing Sophia Smale for six over square leg, ending Brave's winless streak after six matches.