Southern Brave continued their dominant start to the season, securing a narrow one-run victory against MI London to maintain a perfect record of three wins in three matches. Despite a challenging pitch, the Brave reached a total of 126/7 in their 100 balls, a score that ultimately proved just enough to keep their opponents at bay.
The Brave innings began with a steady foundation as openers Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt added 22 runs in 20 balls before Tara Norris claimed the breakthrough wicket of Lee. Maia Bouchier joined Wolvaardt for another 22-run partnership, but the momentum shifted when Hayley Matthews dismissed Bouchier. A crucial 60-run stand followed between Wolvaardt and Jemimah Rodrigues, with Rodrigues acting as the primary aggressor by scoring a brisk 32 off 22 deliveries. However, Matthews proved instrumental for MI London, breaking the partnership and taking two additional wickets to restrict the Brave to 126/7.
In response, MI London appeared well-positioned for their first win of the season. Hayley Matthews led the charge with the bat, contributing 32 off 28 balls during a 42-run opening partnership with Danni Wyatt-Hodge. After Issy Wong cleaned up Matthews, Wyatt-Hodge took control, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 52. She formed a 67-run second-wicket partnership with captain Hollie Armitage, who contributed 40 off 27. Despite the strong start, Sarah Glenn dismissed Armitage, triggering a collapse that left MI London struggling.
With 18 runs required off 15 balls, MI London promoted Chinelle Henry, but the Brave captain dismissed the finisher shortly after. Excellent death bowling from the hosts restricted MI London, who managed only one boundary during the final stages. Facing a requirement of 15 runs from the final nine balls, Lauren Bell held her nerve in the last set to defend seven runs, sealing a memorable victory for Southern Brave.
