Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial role in leading Southern Brave to victory over Sunrisers Leeds in the Women’s Hundred, maintaining her team’s flawless start. With a steady hand, Jemimah scored an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, helping Brave chase down the 117-run target with five wickets and four balls to spare. Her calm performance was especially vital as the team faced early challenges, ensuring Southern Brave clinched their second consecutive win and took the top spot on the points table.
Rodrigues was named Hero of the Match after finishing the chase. Reflecting on her innings, she admitted, “With the bat, it wasn’t the prettiest innings from me. It was a bit ugly, but it was effective. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters because the team won.”
How Jemimah Rodrigues Anchored Southern Brave After Early Collapse
Southern Brave found themselves under pressure early on while chasing a target of 117 at Headingley. Sunrisers pacer Cassidy McCarthy made her mark with two impressive inswingers, sending Lizelle Lee and Maia Bouchier back to the pavilion, while Laura Wolvaardt also fell cheaply. This left Brave struggling at 36 for 3 after just 40 balls. However, Rodrigues stepped in to stabilize the innings alongside captain Sophie Molineux, putting together a solid 35-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Molineux scored 21 off 17 balls before she was dismissed, but Rodrigues kept the momentum going. She later formed a crucial 39-run partnership with Jodi Grewcock, picking up the pace when it was most needed. Two boundaries off Sunrisers captain Danielle Gibson really shifted the tide, and Rodrigues wrapped up the chase with a stylish reverse sweep against Jess Jonassen. Southern Brave finished strong at 117 for 5 in 96 balls, clinching a five-wicket victory.
Earlier in the match, Sunrisers Leeds were bowled out for 116 in their 100 balls, despite a promising start. Bryony Smith was the standout performer, scoring 48 off 34 deliveries and forming a solid 57-run partnership for the third wicket with Annabel Sutherland, who chipped in with 22 off 19 balls. Unfortunately, a breakthrough from Sarah Glenn sparked a dramatic collapse. Issy Wong was the star with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 15, while Tilly Corteen-Coleman added 2 for 25 as Sunrisers lost their last eight wickets for a mere 38 runs. Deepti Sharma managed to add a late 23 off 14 balls, bringing the total to 116, but it just wasn’t enough. With two wins from two matches, Southern Brave kept their unbeaten streak alive in the Women’s Hundred.
