Southern Brave prevail after Welsh Fire slump from 109-3 to 118-8
Southern Brave secured an eight-run victory over Welsh Fire in the opening match of the women's Hundred. Welsh Fire lost five wickets for six runs as their score dwindled from 109-3 to 118-8.
The encounter, which served as the tournament opener for the women's Hundred, ended with Southern Brave ahead by eight runs. Welsh Fire had appeared well placed at 109-3 before a rapid sequence of dismissals changed the course of their innings. The collapse — five wickets for six runs — curtailed any late push for a chase. The final total for the Fire was 118-8.
A strong middle phase for Welsh Fire had positioned them on 109-3, suggesting a competitive finish was within reach. Instead, the batting side lost momentum as wickets fell in quick succession, a run of dismissals that produced only six additional runs. That sudden reversal left the Fire with a subpar closing score relative to the position they had occupied earlier in the innings. The scoreline reflects how swiftly a contest can turn in the shorter format.
Southern Brave’s bowlers capitalised on the pressure as the Fire’s innings unravelled, turning control of the match in their favour. The five-for-six sequence deprived Welsh Fire of time and runs needed to mount a successful chase. By halting partnerships and forcing regular breakthroughs, the Brave ensured the final margin would be in their favour. Their collective bowling effort proved decisive in a game decided by narrow margins.
The late collapse undid a platform that had been built at 109-3 and reduced Welsh Fire’s opportunities to recover. Ending on 118-8, the Fire finished eight runs shy of Southern Brave’s total. The result handed Southern Brave the victory for the opening fixture of the women's Hundred.
The scoreline — Welsh Fire 118-8 after collapsing from 109-3, Southern Brave winning by eight runs — sealed the outcome of the tournament's first match. The numbers underline how a compact spell of bowling can alter a match in the women's Hundred.
