Southern Brave produced a remarkable comeback to start their Hundred campaign with a thrilling eight-run victory over Welsh Fire in Southampton.
Fire looked set for a comfortable win while chasing 127 after reaching 109-3, with opener Georgia Voll in control and unbeaten on 52. However, 18-year-old left-arm spinner Tilly Corteen-Coleman turned the game around by dismissing the Australian batter, triggering a dramatic collapse.
The visitors lost five wickets for just six runs in 14 balls, with Lauren Bell then removing Georgia Wareham and Em Arlott in the following set. Captain Sophie Molineux completed the turnaround with figures of 3-14, including the key wicket of Fire skipper Sophie Devine.
Victory looked unlikely for much of the match after Brave struggled in the field, dropping several catches, including one from Voll early in the innings.
Earlier, Brave posted 126-7 after being asked to bat first. Lizelle Lee provided a quick start with 30 from 26 balls, while Laura Wolvaardt anchored the innings with an unbeaten 45. However, Heather Graham's impressive spell of 4-19 restricted the hosts from building a bigger total.
Welsh Fire, who finished bottom last season with just one win, will look to respond quickly after making major investments, including a joint-record £210,000 deal for Devine during the auction.
