At the Utilita Bowl, Laura Wolvaardt undefeated 78 helped Manchester Originals defeat the reigning champions Southern Brave by six wickets.
Brave had lost all three of their previous games and were destroyed by a masterful batting display by Woolvaardt, who timed the chase perfectly to get her team home with two balls remaining.

After Brave scored 136 for 5, Woolvaardt and Eve Jones, who contributed 39, combined for an 80-run second-wicket partnership that broke the back of the pursuit. The hosts’ best scorer, Danni Wyatt, amassed 61 from 46 balls, while Sophie Ecclestone took 2 for 17.
With a 51-run partnership off of 35 balls, Wyatt and Maia Bouchier put Brave on the board quickly. Bowling Bouchier, Kim Garth made the first breakthrough, and Wyatt and Charli Knott added 68.
The game was equally balanced at the end of the innings until England spinner Ecclestone eliminated both players in the span of three balls and Woolvardt made an incredible catch while racing backwards. Wolvaardt The game was equally balanced at the end of the innings until England spinner Ecclestone eliminated both players in the span of three balls and Woolvaardt made an incredible catch while racing backwards.
After Beth Mooney, a fellow countrywoman, edged ahead dancing down the wicket, Lauren Cheatle won the fight, but Woolvardt and Jones seized control after that. In her 52-ball innings, Woolvardt smashed 11 boundaries, while Jones kept the scoreboard moving by picking out Knott at long off off Georgia Adams’ bowling.
In her brief appearance, Ecclestone hit a six as Woolvaardt stayed to give the Originals a second victory and make Brave’s championship defense seem weak.
“It’s nice to chase a big score and it will be good for our group,” stated Meerkat Match Hero Woolvaardt. They bowled quite effectively in the middle, and I didn’t get off to the start I had hoped for. I attempted to go deep even though I felt like I wasn’t receiving the limits I needed since I knew we had the ability. Eve was quite remarkable. She has been dominating them in every game thus far and using her abilities well.”
Read More: Originals’ dire start continues as Brave cruise to victory