Brave march into final as Superchargers crush Invincibles’ hopes

At Lord’s, Southern Brave booked their place in The Hundred women’s final with a clinical eight-wicket win over holders London Spirit, Sport360NG reports.

Set 126 to win, Brave cruised home with six balls to spare thanks to a composed second-wicket stand of 95 between Laura Wolvaardt and Maia Bouchier. Wolvaardt anchored the chase with 56 not out from 40 balls, while Bouchier added 43 before falling late on.

The result continues Brave’s resurgence after a disappointing campaign last year, when they finished bottom just 12 months on from lifting the trophy in 2023.

Having opted to bowl first, Brave struck early as spinner Mady Villiers (3-38) dismissed Georgia Redmayne and Grace Harris in quick succession, leaving Spirit in trouble at 36-3. Cordelia Griffith (44) and Charli Knott (34) briefly steadied the innings with a 67-run partnership, but once Griffith was removed by Georgia Adams, the defending champions collapsed, losing five wickets for just 22 runs.

In reply, Brave lost Danni Wyatt-Hodge cheaply to Issy Wong, but Wolvaardt and Bouchier took control. Wong later removed Bouchier, yet Sophie Devine’s late cameo sealed a seventh successive victory for the Southampton-based side, equalling their own tournament record.

Brave, who still have one group match left against Welsh Fire on Thursday, will face either the second or third-placed team in the Lord’s final on 31 August. Spirit, meanwhile, must beat Oval Invincibles on Monday and rely on other results to stay in contention for the eliminator.

At Headingley, Northern Superchargers ended Oval Invincibles’ faint hopes with a dominant seven-wicket win.

Chasing 126, Alice Davidson-Richards led the way with a fluent 50 from 32 balls before Nicola Carey (25 not out from 15) completed the job with five deliveries remaining. Phoebe Litchfield also chipped in with 29, continuing her fine tournament form.

The victory keeps Superchargers in second place on 20 points, four behind the unbeaten Brave but comfortably ahead of Manchester Originals and London Spirit.

The Invincibles’ innings never found rhythm. After Grace Ballinger bowled Paige Scholfield with the first ball, wickets fell steadily. Tournament top-scorer Meg Lanning was trapped lbw for 22, and despite skipper Lauren Winfield-Hill’s 37 off 30, their 125-6 always looked under par.

Injuries compounded their problems as Tash Farrant left the field with a back issue after bowling just five deliveries, while Alice Capsey briefly departed following a knock to the hand. Seamer Kate Cross impressed for Superchargers with 2-16, just a day after missing out on England’s World Cup squad.

Superchargers face Manchester Originals on Tuesday knowing a win will secure at least an eliminator spot, although their strong net run rate means they may qualify even with a defeat. Invincibles, sitting sixth, can no longer reach the knockout stages.