In The Women’s Hundred 2026, Southern Brave sit comfortably in second place on the points table, tied with the table-toppers on 20 points after bagging five wins from their six fixtures with a net run rate of +0.399. Manchester Super Giants are holding onto third spot with 14 points, having racked up three wins, two losses, and an abandoned game out of their six matches played so far.
Southern Brave have looked like one of the most balanced outfits in the competition, built around Laura Wolvaardt’s solid foundation at the top and Sophie Molineux’s frugal, wicket-taking spells with the ball. Manchester Super Giants, however, bring plenty of firepower of their own, led by the explosive bat of Smriti Mandhana and the relentless accuracy of Sophie Ecclestone, making them a dangerous prospect for any side on their day.
Squads:
Southern Brave Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Molineux (C), Ellie Anderson, Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Naomi Dattani, Phoebe Franklin, Katherine Fraser, Daisy Gibb, Sarah Glenn, Jodi Grewcock, Lizelle Lee, Rebecca Odgers, Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Issy Wong
Manchester Super Giants Women’s Cricket Team
Meg Lanning (C), Grace Ballinger, Maitlan Brown, Kathryn Bryce, Sophie Ecclestone, Joanne Gardner, Richa Ghosh, Beth Langston, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Smriti Mandhana, Mia Rogers, Paige Scholfield, Grace Scrivens, Bex Tyson, Mady Villiers, Natasha Wraith
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt has brought crucial stability to the top order, scoring 161 runs in 6 matches at an average of 32.20. While holding a strike rate of 107.33, she has anchored innings effectively with a top score of 48. Her classical strokeplay shows in her 19 boundaries, providing a dependable foundation every time she steps out.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana has been in flowing form, racking up 158 runs in just 5 matches while maintaining a strong average of 39.50. Striking at 138.59, her campaign is headlined by an 88* that blew the opposition away. She has effortlessly cleared the ropes with 6 sixes alongside 15 boundaries in her 5 innings.
Sophie Molineux
Sophie Molineux has been the benchmark for discipline with the ball, picking up 10 wickets in 6 matches over 24 complete overs. She boasts a phenomenal economy rate of just 5.50 alongside an average of 11.00, including 2 maiden overs. Her clinical best figures of 3/7 highlight just how difficult she has been to score against.
Sophie Ecclestone
Sophie Ecclestone remains as frugal and effective as ever, taking 8 wickets in 5 matches while bowling 100 deliveries. She maintains a stingy economy rate of 4.92 and a stellar average of 10.25, ensuring batters get zero free runs. Her best performance of 3/14 reflects her innate knack for turning matches in tight spells.
Pitch:
The Rose Bowl is a well-balanced surface featuring good carry and bounce that generally favors quality strokeplay. Seamers get initial swing during the early overs, but the track flattens out, making it high-scoring once batters adapt. Setting a total is often preferred, with spin playing a crucial role in controlling the middle and later overs.
Weather:
The conditions will be cloudy with a high temperature of 27°C and a low of 14°C, a 10% chance of rain, and winds from the south at 7 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sophie Molineux, Lauren Bell, Lizelle Lee, Jemimah Rodrigues, Laura Wolvaardt, Issy Wong, Meg Lanning, Sophie Ecclestone, Richa Ghosh, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Smriti Mandhana
Match Details:
Date – August 08, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – The Rose Bowl, Southampton
Broadcast – The game will be telecasted on Star Sports network.
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