Sophie Devine Stars with Bat and Ball as Southern Brave Defeat Birmingham Phoenix

Sophie Devine Stars with Bat and Ball as Southern Brave Defeat Birmingham Phoenix

Sophie Devine delivered a match-winning all-round performance to help Southern Brave secure their second consecutive win in the Women’s Hundred 2025, defeating Birmingham Phoenix by 15 runs in front of a record crowd at the Utilita Bowl.

An electric atmosphere greeted both teams as 11,167 fans packed the stands on a sun-drenched day in Hampshire. Southern Brave, opting to bat first after Phoenix won the toss and chose to field, posted 139 for 7, built around a fluent 59 off 39 balls from Danni Wyatt-Hodge. She was well supported by Laura Wolvaardt (28) and Sophie Devine (27).

While Brave looked set for a much bigger total at one point, Phoenix clawed back strongly in the final stretch. Megan Schutt (2 for 23) and Em Arlott (2 for 19) applied the brakes effectively, restricting the home side to just 19 runs off the last 15 deliveries.

Phoenix Stumble in Chase

In reply, Birmingham Phoenix lost early wickets, with Emma Lamb and Georgia Voll falling cheaply. Veteran campaigners Ellyse Perry and Amy Jones steadied the innings, adding some momentum to the chase. However, once Jones fell for 20, the pressure mounted.

Perry, who made 26 off 21 balls, was caught brilliantly in the deep by Mady Villiers, and despite a fighting 44 from Sterre Kalis, Phoenix were ultimately bowled out for 124, with two balls remaining.

Southern Brave’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout the innings. Lauren Bell impressed with 3 for 17, while Devine picked up 2 for 28 and also effected a run-out, showcasing her all-round prowess. Youngster Tilly Corteen-Coleman also chipped in with 2 for 16, continuing her strong form in the competition.

Devine Named Match Hero

Sophie Devine, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on her performance and the team's overall display:

"I'm really pleased about the result. Danni (Wyatt-Hodge) was outstanding. The way she set up the game, it was trickier than she made it look. It was a great game for us and nice to do it in front of the home crowd."

"It is always nice to perform against teams you have previously played for. Every game is on the line and you have to be good. I have not played a lot of cricket over the last few months and was probably swinging like a rusty gate. But when you have someone like her (Wyatt-Hodge), it makes things easier. If I can contribute in any way, that is what I am here for."

With two wins from two matches, Southern Brave are building early momentum in the competition, while Birmingham Phoenix will be looking to bounce back quickly in their next fixture.

Match Summary:

  • Southern Brave: 139/7 (Wyatt-Hodge 59, Schutt 2-23, Arlott 2-19)

  • Birmingham Phoenix: 124 all out (Kalis 44, Bell 3-17, Devine 2-28)

Result: Southern Brave won by 15 runs
Player of the Match: Sophie Devine