Smriti Mandhana Danni Wyatt and crafted half-centuries in the 166-run chase but it was not adequate as Southern Brave’s women’s team suffered their maiden defeat the Ageas Bowl for the first time ever since the Hundred competition began.
Hayley Matthews put and end to Southern Brave’s unbeaten home record with an excellent individual performance as Welsh Fire claimed a four-run win. Matthews struck an impressive 65 to drive Fire to 165 for 3 – their best score in The Hundred – before the West Indies international defended nine runs in the final set. An iconic moment in the game was Southern Brave’s Maia Bouchier running out Welsh Fire batter Laura Harris on 20 with a brilliant throw from the deep.
It is noteworthy that Mandhana has slammed consecutive fifties for Southern Brave in The Hundred 2023 thus far. She scored 55 and an unbeaten 70 against Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire, respectively.
Smriti Mandhana starts off her campaign in style at #TheHundredpic.twitter.com/Z7i1nTHGFf
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) August 1, 2023
