Southern Brave Beat Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2026

Southern Brave enjoyed a double over Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred, with contrasting stories playing out across the men's and women's competitions. For the men it was a first win of the summer at the fourth attempt; for the women it was a fourth win in a row and a statement of early-season dominance.

Brave's men finally click

The men's side had been searching for their first victory of the 2026 campaign, and they found it in a tight finish, edging Birmingham Phoenix by 12 runs. Southern Brave posted 128 for 8, with Marcus Stoinis top-scoring on 34, before their bowlers held their nerve to restrict Phoenix to 116 for 9. Will Smeed's 35 kept the chase alive, but Brave's late-innings discipline proved decisive.

A first win at the fourth time of asking will feel like a weight lifted. In a short, high-tempo tournament like The Hundred, momentum matters, and a narrow win over a fellow strugglers can be the spark that turns a season around.

The women make it four from four

There was no such drama for the women's side, who continued their perfect start with a comfortable 24-run win. Southern Brave reached 140 for 3, built on 45 from Maia Bouchier and a well-made 43 from her fellow opener at the top of the order, before limiting Phoenix to 116 for 5. Birmingham's reply was anchored by a battling half-century, but the required rate always looked beyond them.

The result leaves the Brave women sitting pretty at the top of the standings, while Birmingham Phoenix remain rooted to the bottom and still searching for a first win of the campaign. With the group stage tightening, Brave's flying start could prove crucial when the knockout places are decided.