The Hundred Women’s Competition 2026 moves to Southampton for its second match, where Southern Brave Womenwill take on Welsh Fire Women at the Rose Bowl, now known as the Utilita Bowl, on July 22, 2026 (Wednesday). The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
Southern Brave enters the new season with plenty of confidence after winning four of their last five matches. Welsh Fire, on the other hand, have had a more difficult run, losing four of their previous five games. However, The Hundred is a short tournament where one strong performance can quickly change a team’s momentum.
The recent head-to-head record makes this contest even more interesting. Southern Brave won both meetings between the teams in 2025, including a 29-run victory in their most recent encounter. Welsh Fire had dominated the rivalry in 2024, winning both of their matches, so they will be keen to turn things around this time.
Southern Brave also have a strong mix of experienced international players and exciting young talent. With players such as Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier and Jemimah Rodrigues in the batting group and Lauren Bell, Sarah Glenn and Tilly Corteen-Coleman leading the bowling options, they have plenty of match-winners.
Welsh Fire will look to Sophie Devine, Lizelle Lee and Sarah Bryce to provide stability with the bat, while Sophia Smale and the rest of their bowling attack will hope to put pressure on the Brave batters.
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
Welsh Fire Women’s Cricket Team
Sophie Devine (C), Em Arlott, Sarah Bryce, Georgia Davis, Heather Graham, Niamh Holland, Freya Kemp, Ella McCaughan, Fi Morris, Abi Norgrove, Grace Potts, Sophia Smale, Rhianna Southby, Grace Thompson, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
Players to watch out:
Laura Wolvaardt
Laura Wolvaardt will be one of the biggest batting threats in the Southern Brave line-up. The South African opener has scored 207 runs in her last nine matches at an average of 34.5 and a strike rate of 131.01. Her ability to play controlled cricket while also finding boundaries makes her a dangerous player in the 100-ball format. If Wolvaardt stays at the crease for a long time, Southern Brave can put serious pressure on the Welsh Fire bowling attack.
Lauren Bell
With 20 wickets in her last 10 matches, Lauren Bell has been one of Southern Brave’s most effective bowlers recently. Her wicket-taking ability with the new ball can make a big difference, especially at a venue where seamers may get some early movement. Bell will look to use the conditions in Southampton to trouble Welsh Fire’s top order and give her team an early advantage.
Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine brings a huge amount of experience and power to the Welsh Fire side. The New Zealand star can change a match quickly with the bat and is also capable of contributing with the ball. She has taken three wickets in her last two matches, and her overall record in The Hundred shows why she remains such an important player. Devine has scored 576 runs in 28 Women’s 100 matches at an average of 23.04 and a strike rate of 117.55, with one half-century and a highest score of 53. She has also made a strong impact with the ball, taking 16 wickets in 24 bowling innings. Her best figures are 3/15, while she has maintained an economy rate of 7.99. With both bat and ball, Devine can make a difference at any stage of the match.
Sophia Smale
Sophia Smale is another player who could have an important role for Welsh Fire. The young all-rounder has already shown her ability to contribute with both bat and ball and will be looking to make an impact in the middle overs. She has taken three wickets in her last match, showing her recent form with the ball. In The Hundred, Smale has played 31 matches, taking 27 wickets in 31 bowling innings at an average of 23.11 and an economy rate of 7.51. Her best bowling figures are 3/13. With the bat, Smale has scored 21 runs in six innings at a strike rate of 87.50. While her batting numbers are still developing, her bowling has already made her a useful option for her team.
Pitch:
The Rose Bowl generally offers a good balance between bat and ball. The surface usually provides true bounce, allowing batters to play their shots once they settle in. Fast bowlers can get some swing and movement early in the innings, especially if there is moisture in the air. The surface can slow down and offer some grip to spinners. The outfield is generally quick, which means well-timed shots can race to the boundary.
Weather:
The weather in Southampton is expected to remain warm during the day, with temperatures reaching around 28°C before dropping to approximately 22°C around match time. There is a small chance of rain during the evening, with the forecast showing around a 10% chance of rain at 8 PM and a 20% chance at 9 PM.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Laura Wolvaardt, Maia Bouchier, Jemimah Rodrigues, Sophie Devine, Sarah Bryce, Lizelle Lee, Sophie Molineux, Lauren Bell, Tilly Corteen-Coleman, Sarah Glenn, Sophia Smale
Match Details:
Date – July 22, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time –7:30 PM IST
Venue – The Rose Bowl, Southampton
Broadcast – The Hundred Women’s Competition 2026 will be telecasted on Star Sports Network.
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