In a heart-stopping finale that went down to the absolute wire, Southern Brave were crowned the 2025 Women's Hundred champions, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat against a valiant Northern Superchargers side on the hallowed turf of Lord's.
The match, played in front of a vibrant and capacity crowd, was a testament to the soaring popularity and sheer quality of women's cricket, delivering a spectacle brimming with tension, skill, and raw emotion.
A Final Ball Finish for the Ages
The Superchargers, chasing a modest target of 115, needed a seemingly simple two runs from the final delivery to force a Super Five and keep their title dreams alive. The tension was palpable as Alice Davidson-Richards swung hard, sending the ball racing towards the boundary rider.
What happened next will be etched into Hundred folklore. A phenomenal piece of fielding and a laser-accurate throw set up a dramatic run-out, leaving the Superchargers short by a single, agonising run. The Brave squad erupted in unbridled joy, while the Superchargers were left utterly devastated, their efforts culminating in the cruellest of conclusions.
Brave's Bowling Heroes Shine
While the finish provided the unforgettable climax, the victory was built on the foundation of a disciplined and ferocious bowling performance from the Brave. Speedster Lauren Bell was simply unplayable, her fiery spells earning her the coveted Player of the Match award.
She received magnificent support from the experienced Georgia Adams, whose clever variations stifled the Superchargers' run flow throughout the middle phase of the innings. Together, they applied relentless pressure that ultimately proved decisive.
Superchargers' Valiant Fight Falls Just Short
Despite the gut-wrenching loss, the Northern Superchargers fought with immense courage. Wicketkeeper-batter Lauren Winfield-Hill provided a solid start, but the team consistently lost wickets at critical junctures, preventing any significant partnership from building momentum.
Their bowlers, led by the impressive Grace Ballinger, had earlier done a superb job to restrict the Brave to 114, a total that looked below par but which their batting line-up ultimately couldn't chase down.
This pulsating final not only crowned the Southern Brave as deserving champions but also served as a powerful advertisement for the women's game, showcasing its incredible depth, drama, and ability to captivate a global audience until the very last second.
