Southern Brave began their Hundred campaign with an eight-run win over Welsh Fire in Southampton, a result that seemed unlikely after Fire's chase gathered pace and Brave's fielders put down several catches. The comeback matters as it kept alive Brave's strong recent record in the competition, having reached four of the last five finals and won the title in 2023, while Fire, who finished bottom last season despite heavy investment in the auction, suffered an early setback in their bid to bounce back.

Batting first, Brave were anchored by an unbeaten 45 from Laura Wolvaardt and a quick 30 from Lizelle Lee, but Heather Graham's 4-19 restricted them to 126-7. Fire looked set to chase down the target after Georgia Voll's 52 took them to 109-3, before 18-year-old spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman triggered a stunning collapse of five wickets for six runs in 14 balls, with further wickets from Lauren Bell and captain Sophie Molineux (3-14) sealing victory for the home side.