Jemimah Rodrigues fell cheaply but Southern Brave stole a thrilling eight-run victory against Welsh Fire to begin its campaign in The Hundred 2026 on a winning note.

After Fire won the toss and opted to bowl first, Brave largely struggled with bat in hand as it reached 126 for seven from its allocation of 100 balls. Laura Wolvaardt top-scored with an unbeaten 45 from 36 deliveries, while Lizelle Lee (31) and captain Sophie Molineux (22) were the only other batters to get going.

Jemimah reached four from five balls before miscuing a Sophia Smale delivery to backward point.

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In the chase, Fire seemed well-place thanks to a 75-run second wicket partnership between Georgia Voll — who scored 52 — and Freya Kemp, but Jemimah’s direct hit to run out Kemp prompted a collapse of seven for 38.

Lauren Bell picked two wickets in three balls, while left-arm spinners Molineux and Tilly Corteen-Coleman combined for a collective five for 36 from 40 balls as Brave won by eight runs.

Jemimah’s Indian teammates Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh will be in action tomorrow when their Manchester Super Giants side takes on London Spirit.

Published on Jul 22, 2026