WATCH: Jemimah Rodrigues’ sharp throw dismisses Freya Kemp as SB-W cruise to a dominant win over WF-W in The Hundred Women’s 2026

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In a high-intensity clash at Southampton, Southern Brave (Women) demonstrated supreme composure to claim an eight-run victory over Welsh Fire (Women) in the second match of The Hundred Women’s 2026. Defending a competitive total of 126, the Brave relied on dynamic fielding and disciplined bowling under pressure to restrict Welsh Fire to 118/8 in their allotted 100 balls. While Welsh Fire appeared to be cruising midway through the chase, a sudden momentum shift turned the game entirely in Southern Brave’s favour.

The critical moment of the match arrived at ball 59 during Welsh Fire’s chase. Set a target of 127, Welsh Fire were firmly in control at 80/1, driven by a blistering partnership between Georgia Voll and Freya Kemp. Sarah Glenn delivered a shortish ball outside off stump, which Voll hopped back and slapped sharply towards extra cover.

Indian international Jemimah Rodrigues anticipated the shot brilliant, diving to parry the ball and slow its pace. As the ball rolled slightly away, Kemp misjudged the distance and charged down the pitch for a risky single. Rodrigues recovered instantly, picked up the ball cleanly, and executed a swift, direct hit at the striker’s end. Kemp was left stranded well short of her crease, departing for a well-struck 39 off 29 balls (5 fours).

This moment of brilliance shattered a threatening 75-run stand and completely shifted the match’s energy. The sudden breakthrough injected belief back into Southern Brave, exposing Welsh Fire’s middle order to steady pressure.

A Jemi Rodrigues special ✨#TheHundred

— The Hundred (@thehundred) July 22, 2026

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Earlier in the day, Southern Brave laid the groundwork for their defense after being put into bat. Opener Lizelle Lee provided a brisk start with 31 off 26 deliveries, featuring three boundaries. However, it was Laura Wolvaardt who anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45 off 36 balls, including six boundaries. Captain Sophie Molineux contributed a vital flourish, striking 22 off 16 balls at a strike rate of 137.50. Despite Heather Graham’s magnificent bowling spell of 4/19 in 20 balls for Welsh Fire, Southern Brave managed to post 126/7.

Welsh Fire started their chase strongly despite losing Ella McCaughan early for 1. Georgia Voll top-scored with a fluent 52 off 39 balls, bringing up her half-century in just 36 deliveries. Alongside Kemp, Voll brought Welsh Fire within touching distance of victory.

However, following Rodrigues’ game-changing run-out of Kemp, the Welsh Fire batting lineup crumbled under relentless bowling. Molineux delivered a Player of the Match all-round performance, taking 3/14 with an economy rate of just 0.70 runs per ball. She received strong support from Lauren Bell (2/20) and Tilly Corteen-Coleman (2/22), both taking crucial top and middle-order wickets. Welsh Fire lost seven wickets for just 38 runs after the dismissal of Kemp, finishing on 118/8 as Southern Brave sealed a memorable victory.

Also READ: The Hundred Women’s 2026: Broadcast and Live Streaming Details – When and where to watch in India, Australia, USA, UK, New Zealand & other countries

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.