Southern Brave Women launched their campaign in The Hundred Women 2025 with a nail-biting 1-run victory over Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford. After deciding to bowl first, the Brave’s bowlers showed considerable discipline and held their nerve to limit the Originals to a total of 95/8. In reply, Laura Wolvaardt led the team with a calm knock, getting her team home with 11 balls to spare, although not without some tense moments.

Manchester Originals Women's Innings

Batting first, Manchester Originals never really got going on a tricky pitch. With the innings almost entirely held together by Seren Smale, who batted with calmness and control for her undefeated 40 off 34 balls, the Originals were not in a strong position with wickets tumbling around her. She fought a lonely battle to help Manchester post a fighting total. 

Lauren Bell was the star for the Brave with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 28 runs, including two big tickets in the powerplay. She was superbly supported by Mady Villiers (2/19) and Tilly Corteen Coleman (1/12), who kept the run rate in check while piling the pressure upon their opponents. 

Amelia Kerr (14) and Deandra Dottin (8) tried to get things moving, but no one could support Smale for long enough to make a difference. As such, Manchester ended on a below-par 95/8.

Southern Brave Women's Innings

Chasing 96 on paper looked easy for the Brave, but they were made to work. They lost wickets early and were put under pressure from a disciplined Originals bowling attack. Laura Wolvaardt showed why she is one of the most composed players in the game. Her unbeaten 42 from 37 balls, full of lovely strokes and intelligent placements, provided the necessary glue to the chase.

Danielle Wyatt provided early momentum with a wonderful 32 from 27, but after her dismissal, the Brave stumbled a few times. Wolvaardt remained calm and never let things become tense at the end as they brought it home in 89 balls, getting to 96/4.

Manchester's bowlers did all they could—Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gregory, Amelia Kerr, and Deandra Dottin each took a wicket, but with nothing on the board there is little margin for error.

Also read: [WATCH] Relive Stuart Broad's special bowling figures of 8/15 during Ashes 2015

Match Scorecard Summary

Manchester Originals – 95/8 (100 balls)

Southern Brave – 96/4 (89 balls)