![Lauren Bell was instrumental in dismantling the Northern Superchargers batting side in The Hundred 2024 [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/325020.4.webp "Lauren Bell was instrumental in dismantling the Northern Superchargers batting side [Image: Getty]")
In a pulsating clash at Headingley, Leeds, on July 30, the eighth match of The Hundred 2024 culminated in a dramatic tie between Southern Brave and Northern Superchargers. The encounter was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with both teams delivering electrifying performances that underscored the thrill and unpredictability of the format. As the match swung back and forth, it became a thrilling spectacle of cricketing skill and strategic play.
Southern Brave won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision to bat seemed to offer early rewards as Maia Bouchier set a brisk pace, scoring 22 off 14 balls with five boundaries. However, her promising start was cut short when she fell to Linsey Smith.
The early breakthrough was followed by a flurry of wickets. Danni Wyatt, who joined Bouchier at the crease, struggled and was dismissed for just 2 runs from 4 balls. Charli Knott, too, failed to make an impact, managing only 1 run before departing. The pressure mounted further when the Southern Brave captain, Georgia Adams, was run out for a duck, leaving her team in a precarious position at 36 for 4.
Freya Kemp, in a bid to stabilize the innings, contributed 14 runs from 17 balls, including a boundary. Her innings provided a brief respite but ended with her dismissal at 47 for 5, which only intensified the pressure on the Brave’s middle order.
Chloe Tryon emerged as a crucial player for Southern Brave, delivering a steady knock of 25 runs from 24 balls, with three boundaries. Her innings was instrumental in keeping the scoreboard ticking. Naomi Dattani, contributing 4 runs from 8 balls, supported Tryon in the fightback. Unfortunately, Tryon’s innings was cut short by a run-out, and soon after, Dattani was also run out, leaving Southern Brave struggling at 79 for 7.
In the final overs, Rhianna Southby played a significant role with an unbeaten 16 runs from 19 balls. Her innings included a boundary and was pivotal in pushing the Brave towards a defendable total. Lauren Cheatle, who added 1 run from 3 balls, was also run out, leaving Southby and Lauren Bell to guide the team to the finish. Bell provided a much-needed boost with an explosive cameo, scoring 10 not out from just 5 balls, including two boundaries, helping Southern Brave reach a total of 100 for 8 in their allotted 100 balls.
The innings was a mix of brisk starts and crucial contributions but marred by frequent wickets and run-outs. Despite the flurry of wickets, Southern Brave managed to set a competitive total, though they would need a strong performance from their bowlers to secure victory.
In response to Southern Brave’s total of 100, Northern Superchargers began their chase with Hollie Armitage and Marie Kelly opening the innings. Armitage, the captain, fell to the impressive bowling of Lauren Bell after scoring 9 runs from 9 balls. Shortly after, Kelly was dismissed by Bell for 5 runs, which left the Superchargers at 18 for 2.
Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland then sought to steady the innings. Litchfield played a patient innings, scoring 24 runs from 28 balls, with three boundaries. Her efforts, along with Sutherland’s contribution of 10 runs from 15 balls, created a semblance of stability. However, their dismissals left the Superchargers at 61 for 4, and the chase was beginning to look challenging.
Alice Davidson-Richards entered the fray and immediately made an impact with a brisk 27 runs from 22 balls, featuring four boundaries. Her quick scoring provided a crucial boost to the Superchargers’ chase. Bess Heath supported her with a vital 9 runs from 6 balls. Despite their efforts, the run rate pressure increased as the match progressed towards its climax.
In the final stages, the Northern Superchargers found themselves needing 10 runs from the last 10 balls. Kate Cross, who had been solid throughout, remained unbeaten with 10 runs from 11 balls, showing commendable resilience under pressure. Lucy Higham, with a single run from one ball, played her part but could not accelerate the scoring enough.
With the final delivery of the match, the Superchargers fell just short of the target, finishing their innings at 100 for 7 in 100 balls. The tie was a testament to the closely contested nature of the game, where both teams fought fiercely until the last ball. The match highlighted the remarkable performances of key players, particularly Lauren Bell for Southern Brave, whose four-wicket haul was instrumental in keeping the Superchargers’ chase in check.
The standout performer of the match was Lauren Bell, who claimed 4 wickets for 11 runs, playing a crucial role in both restricting the Superchargers and contributing to her team’s innings with a cameo of 10 runs.
Brief Score: Southern Brave vs Northern Superchargers, Match 8 of The Hundred 2024
Match Ended in a Tie- Southern Brave- 100/8 (Chloe Tryon 25, Maia Bouchier 22; Linsey Smith 2/24) Northern Superchargers- 100/7 (Alice Davidson Richards 27, Phoebe Litchfield 24; Lauren Bell 4/11).
Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.
