The 16th match of The Hundred Women’s Competition 2026 at Lord’s delivered high-octane drama on August 1 as Southern Brave secured a convincing five-wicket victory over London Spirit. Chasing a modest target of 115 runs from 100 balls, Southern Brave relied on composed top-order contributions and disciplined execution to cross the finish line with 7 balls to spare. Despite a spirited effort in the field by London Spirit, capped off by an unforgettable fielding moment from Deandra Dottin, the Brave proved too strong on the day.
Deandra Dottin’s gravity-defying catch sends Sophie Molineux packing
Even with Southern Brave closing in on victory near the end of their chase, London Spirit’s Dottin produced the defining highlight of the afternoon on ball 91. Facing bowler Nadine de Klerk, Brave skipper Sophie Molineux attempted to shimmy down the pitch and shovel a delivery into the leg side to seal the match.
However, Dottin was stationed at short midwicket and reacted with breathtaking athleticism. Reading the trajectory in an instant, Dottin launched herself airborne to her right, extending a single hand to pull off a sensational airborne grab. Molineux was sent packing for a crucial 23 off 24 balls (including three boundaries). While the catch served as consolation late in the contest, the Lord’s crowd erupted to salute one of the finest athletic displays of the tournament.
Here’s the video:
NO WORDS 🤯🤯
Deandra Dottin, that is OUTRAGEOUS!#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/r9u3Xe85ty
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 1, 2026
Southern Brave outclass London Spirit in The Hundred Women’s 2026
Earlier in the day, Southern Brave won key battles right from the opening exchanges after electing to put London Spirit into bat. Spirit struggled to build sustained momentum against a disciplined Brave bowling attack. Openers Amy Jones (38 off 100 balls SR) and Grace Harris (16 off 13) fell early, putting pressure on the middle order. A resilient 34 off 27 balls from Marizanne Kapp and 38 off 28 from De Klerk provided brief resistance, but regular strikes by Player of the Match Molineux (3 for 7 off 20 balls) throttled the scoring rate. London Spirit finished their 100 balls on 114/8.
In response, Southern Brave’s target of 115 looked manageable, thanks primarily to opener Maia Bouchier, who anchored the chase with a silky 46 off 38 deliveries (featuring six boundaries). Despite Marizanne Kapp (2/16) and De Klerk (2/13) removing key batters including Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt, Bouchier and Molineux posted a vital 50-run partnership for the fourth wicket. By the time Dottin pulled off her miracle catch, Southern Brave needed just one run to win, which Naomi Dattani easily completed on the 93rd ball to seal a clinical 5-wicket win.
Also WATCH: Maia Bouchier takes stunning diving catch as Southern Brave stay unbeaten in The Hundred Women 2026
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
