Anya Shrubsole, an icon of England’s women’s cricket, bid an emotional farewell by leading Southern Brave to their maiden title in The Hundred Women’s Competition. The final, held at Lord’s with a record crowd of 21,636, saw Brave outclassing Northern Superchargers in a dominant performance.
As it Happened
Despite a shaky start of 8 for 2 within just nine balls, Southern Brave managed to rally and set a competitive target of 140 runs. Danni Wyatt’s impactful half-century, scoring 59 off 38 balls, and Freya Kemp’s crucial 31 off 17, played pivotal roles in anchoring the innings.
Brave’s bowling attack proved equally formidable. Lauren Bell and Kalea Moore shone with their brilliant performances, picking up three wickets each. Rhianna Southby, despite not having a batting opportunity in the season, made her presence felt with three vital stumpings during Superchargers’ chase.
Northern Superchargers struggled to establish partnerships, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ 24 being their top individual score. Lauren Bell and Kalea Moore’s relentless efforts kept Superchargers on the back foot, ensuring they remained behind the game’s tempo throughout.
As the match reached its climax, Lauren Bell’s quick reactions resulted in a run-out, sealing a comprehensive 34-run victory for Southern Brave. Anya Shrubsole, who had decided to retire after last year’s World Cup, concluded her professional career on a high note as she held the H-shaped trophy aloft amid cheers from both teams.
The triumph was especially significant for Brave, who had faced disappointment in previous finals. Shrubsole’s emotional moment with the trophy was a fitting end to her remarkable career, with the player receiving a guard of honor from both teams as she walked off the field.
With the crowd treated to fireworks lighting up the sky at Lord’s, Shrubsole’s legacy and Brave’s triumph were commemorated in a grand fashion. The victory not only marked the culmination of an extraordinary career but also stood as a testament to the team’s collective effort and determination.
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