Sophie Devine provides all-round heroics to give Brave victory alongside Danni Wyatt-Hodge fifty, setting hosts up for success.
Sophie Devine shines with bat and ball to lead Brave win.
In front of a record-breaking crowd at Utilita Bowl, Sophie Devine led the Southern Brave to a 15-run victory over the Birmingham Phoenix, making them two out of two in this year’s competition.
In a match that fluctuated throughout but was finally decided by the Brave’s consistent wicket-taking during the Phoenix run chase, 11,167 spectators turned out to watch the home team win in the Hampshire sunlight.
With Phoenix winning the toss and choosing to field, both sides entered today’s game fresh off of impressive opening victories. The Brave’s score of 139 was built on Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s 59 from 39 balls, which was well-supported by Laura Wolvaardt (28) and Devine (27).
Phoenix recovered from Brave’s strong start in the first innings by holding the host team to a minimum in the final 25 balls. At one point, a high score was expected, but the Brave collapsed to 139 with just 19 coming from the final 15 balls, driven by Megan Schutt (2 for 23 from 20 balls) and Em Arlott (2 for 19 from 20 balls) at the end.
Both Emma Lamb and Georgia Voll, who had performed well in the Phoenix’s opening game, were removed early by Southern Brave. After that, Amy Jones and Ellyse Perry stabilised the ship and appeared at ease while attempting to remove the total.
Phoenix needed 45 from the last 30 balls when Sterre Kalis took over the charge after Jones was dismissed for 20. Phoenix was bowled out with two balls remaining, 15 short, after Kalis surged but eventually ran out of support after Perry was caught superbly in the deep by Mady Villiers for 26 off 21 balls.
Lauren Bell’s 3 for 17 from 19 balls was the highlight of the Brave bowling display; Devine’s 2 for 28 and Tilly Corteen-Coleman’s 2 for 16 also caused damage.
With her 27 runs, two wickets and a run out, Devine, the Meerkat Match Hero said: “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. We have to keep sharp and keep learning. I have not played a lot of cricket over the last few months and was probably swinging like a rusty gate. I’ve played enough cricket to know that it will come. When you have someone like her (Wyatt-Hodge), it makes easier. If I can contribute in any way, that is what I am here for.”