Southern Brave Women's Team 2025 Players List: History, Records and Achievements

Southern Brave Women’s History

Since the launch of The Hundred in 2021, Southern Brave Women have consistently been among the most formidable and talked-about franchises in the competition. Representing the historic cricketing counties of Hampshire and Sussex, and playing their home games at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the Southern Brave women’s team built a reputation early on for their fearless cricket, composed leadership, and remarkable consistency.

With a blend of international stars and England regulars, Southern Brave hit the ground running. The initial years of the competition saw them dominate the group stages and become regular finalists, laying the foundation of a team that was respected for both its talent and tenacity.

The franchise was originally led by experienced England seamer Anya Shrubsole and coached by former England Women’s captain Charlotte Edwards. This leadership duo was central to the Brave’s identity – one built around tactical bowling, dynamic top-order batting, and a never-say-die attitude.

In 2021, Southern Brave topped the league table and stormed into the final with ease. However, they stumbled at the final hurdle, losing to Oval Invincibles in a one-sided contest. Despite the heartbreak, the squad regrouped and came back stronger in 2022. They once again finished at the top of the table, dominating with both bat and ball. But history repeated itself as the Brave lost yet another final – this time again to the Invincibles – sparking questions about their ability to finish the job on the big stage.

Everything clicked into place in 2023. Led once again by Shrubsole and driven by the form of stars like Smriti Mandhana, Maia Bouchier, and Lauren Bell, Southern Brave finally claimed their maiden Hundred title. They avenged their previous losses by defeating Northern Superchargers in a memorable final, sealing their legacy as one of the competition’s elite teams.

However, 2024 brought a seismic shift. Anya Shrubsole retired, and Georgia Adams was handed the reins of captaincy. Additionally, the coaching baton was passed from Charlotte Edwards to Australian Luke Williams. These changes, however, didn’t yield immediate success. For the first time in their history, Southern Brave struggled badly – finishing bottom of the table in 8th place. The side looked disjointed, lacking the spark that once defined them.

Now, heading into the 2025 season, the Brave are a team looking for redemption. With Georgia Adams still at the helm and Luke Williams under pressure to make an impact, the coming season could define the next chapter in their Hundred journey. For a team that tasted glory and heartbreak in equal measure, the mission in 2025 is clear – rebuild, respond, and rise again.

Southern Brave Women’s Journey in The Hundred (Season-by-Season)

Southern Brave Women’s Captains and Vice-Captains Over the Years

Since the inception of The Hundred in 2021, Southern Brave Women have established themselves as one of the most successful and consistent sides in the competition. A big part of their dominance in the early years came down to leadership strong, tactical, composed, and respected. The franchise has only had two full-time captains in their history so far, both of whom have left their unique stamp on the side in very different ways.

From Anya Shrubsole’s seasoned calm and big-match temperament to Georgia Adams’ transition into leadership during a period of change, Southern Brave’s leadership journey reflects both highs of glory and the challenges of transition. Supported over the years by vice-captains such as Georgia Adams herself and Freya Kemp, Brave’s leadership group has often mirrored the values the team plays with resilience, unity, and professionalism.

Anya Shrubsole (2021–2023)

Anya Shrubsole was appointed the inaugural captain of the Southern Brave Women’s team when the tournament launched in 2021. A proven match-winner with World Cup experience for England, Shrubsole brought instant credibility to the role. Her tactical understanding and ability to stay composed under pressure made her the ideal leader for a team stacked with both international stars and young domestic talent.

In her three seasons as captain, Shrubsole led the Brave to three consecutive finals, a record that underlines her consistency. Despite falling short in the finals in both 2021 and 2022 (losing to the Oval Invincibles on both occasions), she finally lifted the trophy in 2023, guiding Brave to their first-ever title with a win over Northern Superchargers. Her leadership legacy is one of stability, belief, and near-flawless execution in the group stages.

Georgia Adams (2024–Present)

Georgia Adams served as the vice-captain under Shrubsole for the first three seasons, playing a key leadership role both on and off the field. Known for her composure and adaptability, Adams stepped up as the full-time captain in 2024 following Shrubsole’s retirement.

However, her debut season in charge proved to be the most challenging campaign in Southern Brave’s history. The team finished bottom of the table in 2024, managing just one win in the tournament a stark contrast to the previous seasons' consistency. Adams, now leading a side in transition, is tasked with rebuilding the Brave brand and returning them to their winning ways.

Despite the rough start, Adams remains a respected figure within the group and retains the captaincy heading into the 2025 season.

Southern Brave Women’s Squad 2025

Southern Brave The Hundred Women’s 2025 Schedule

Southern Brave Women’s Achievements and Records

Since the launch of The Hundred Women’s competition in 2021, Southern Brave have consistently been one of the most formidable and successful franchises in the tournament. Representing Hampshire and Sussex and based out of the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, the Brave built a reputation for excellence, consistency, and resilience. With their fearless brand of cricket and strong leadership, they reached three consecutive finals from 2021 to 2023, finally clinching their maiden title in the 2023 season.

Under the guidance of former England captain Charlotte Edwards and the leadership of Anya Shrubsole, the Brave quickly became one of the dominant forces in the competition. Even though they stumbled in the finals in their first two seasons, their relentless push for success paid off in 2023 when they lifted the trophy by defeating the Northern Superchargers in a comprehensive display. Their golden run hit a bump in 2024 following Shrubsole’s retirement, but their achievements in the early years remain unmatched for consistency.

Here’s a breakdown of their team and individual records so far:

Southern Brave Team Records (As of July 2025)

Southern Brave have established themselves as one of the most successful franchises in The Hundred Women’s competition. Their highest team total of 166/3 came against Welsh Fire in 2021, showcasing their explosive top order. Despite a low of 95 all out against Oval Invincibles in 2022, they bounced back strongly, recording six wins in 2023 — their best season. With four consecutive wins and three straight final appearances from 2021 to 2023, the Brave have consistently been at the top. Their maiden title in 2023 capped off a dominant early era.

Southern Brave Individual Records (As of July 2025) 

Danni Wyatt-Hodge leads the charge for Southern Brave across batting records, scoring 907 runs, including 127 fours and 16 sixes - the most by any Brave player. Her eight fifties underline her consistency at the top. Smriti Mandhana holds the highest individual score with 78 against Welsh Fire in 2021. On the bowling front, Lauren Bell dominates with 41 wickets, including best figures of 4/10. In the field, Maia Bouchier leads with 19 catches. Despite no centuries yet, the individual brilliance across departments reflects the team’s all-round strength.

Southern Brave Women’s Key Rivalries

Since the launch of The Hundred Women’s competition in 2021, Southern Brave Women have been one of the benchmark franchises of the tournament. Based out of the Utilita Bowl in Southampton and representing the counties of Hampshire and Sussex, the team has been known for its consistency, competitive edge, and ability to challenge for titles every season. With three consecutive final appearances in their first three years including a title win in 2023. Southern Brave’s path has been shaped by intense, high-stakes clashes that have created some of the tournament’s fiercest rivalries.

Here’s a closer look at the key rivalries that have defined Southern Brave Women’s journey in The Hundred:

Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles

No rivalry in the women’s competition has matched the intensity and stakes of Southern Brave vs Oval Invincibles. These two powerhouses of the south have consistently clashed in high-profile matches, with the Invincibles having the upper hand more often than not. The rivalry reached its peak in back-to-back finals in 2021 and 2022, both of which were won by Oval Invincibles, denying the Brave early silverware despite dominant league performances.

The Oval Invincibles have played the Southern Brave six times in their history and have only once twice while the Brave have won four times. However, the Invincibles despite a losing record have the upper hand because both their wins over the Southern Brave have come in the Hundred women’s final. 

Southern Brave vs Birmingham Phoenix

The rivalry between Southern Brave and Birmingham Phoenix has been deep rooted with both teams competing fiercely with each other. Since then, the matchup has taken on extra meaning, with Phoenix always looking to avenge that early heartbreak.

Despite Phoenix’s growth as a competitive side, Southern Brave have dominated this fixture in terms of results, winning the vast majority of their encounters. In the four matches between the two sides Southern Brave have emerged victorious on two occasions while the Birmingham Phoenix have won one match.  

Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets

Southern Brave’s rivalry with Trent Rockets has steadily grown in intensity due to their recurring battles in the group stage. Both sides have consistently been in playoff contention, and that has added high stakes to their meetings. While Brave have had the upper hand, Rockets have pushed them hard in several tight encounters.

The Southern Brave boast a 80 percent winning record against the Trent Rockets winning four out of the five games played between the two sides.  The Southern Brave will be looking to continue this dominance over the Trent Rockets going ahead. 

Southern Brave vs Manchester Originals 

Few rivalries in The Hundred have been as evenly poised as the one between Southern Brave and Manchester Originals. Both teams have shared wins across their four meetings, and each match has had its own twist and drama. Whether it’s tight chases or last-over thrillers, this rivalry has provided a fair share of memorable moments.

With both teams eyeing deeper runs in the tournament in 2025, this head-to-head promises to be one of the more anticipated clashes of the season.

Southern Brave Women’s Team Owners and Sponsorships

Southern Brave Women have rapidly developed into one of the flagship teams of The Hundred, combining consistent on-field success with strong regional roots and increasingly global ambitions. With a title-winning campaign in 2023 and a loyal fanbase anchored in the south of England, the Brave have become a prized asset in English domestic cricket. Following a sweeping shift in the tournament’s ownership model in 2025, the team’s structure has entered a new era—one that reflects the growing influence of private investment in the sport. This evolution is mirrored in the team’s commercial partnerships, which span both traditional English brands and international powerhouses.

Owners: Hampshire County Cricket Club and GMR Group

For the first four seasons of The Hundred (2021–2024), Southern Brave Women were owned and operated by Hampshire County Cricket Club in partnership with the ECB. Based at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton, Hampshire brought both cricketing expertise and infrastructure to the franchise. Their stewardship helped lay the foundations for the Brave’s consistent performances, which included playoff appearances in three of the first four seasons and a memorable title win in 2023.

However, 2025 marked a landmark moment for both the team and the tournament. In a major move to unlock new capital and commercial potential, the ECB opened the doors to private investment in The Hundred. Hampshire CCC, like other host counties, retained 51% control but sold a 49% stake to private investors. In the case of Southern Brave, that investor was the Indian multinational conglomerate GMR Group, who acquired the stake for a reported £98 million, valuing the franchise accordingly.

This was a natural progression. GMR had already acquired ownership of Hampshire CCC in September 2024, and with Southern Brave playing their matches at the Utilita Bowl, the integration of the franchise into their global cricket portfolio was widely anticipated. GMR Group is no stranger to franchise cricket. They are co-owners of the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League and have since expanded into UAE’s ILT20, South Africa’s SA20, and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States, where they are principal investors in the Seattle Orcas.

Their acquisition of a stake in Southern Brave makes them one of four IPL-linked ownership groups now active in The Hundred, joining the likes of Reliance Industries (Oval Invincibles), Sun Group (Northern Superchargers), and RPSG Group (Manchester Originals). This signals a clear pivot toward international investment and global brand-building in English cricket.

The new joint ownership structure brings together the regional loyalty and institutional stability of Hampshire with the commercial ambition and global reach of GMR. While the ECB still controls the overarching governance of the competition, Southern Brave are now well-positioned to grow their fanbase beyond the south of England and tap into new markets across India, the UAE, South Africa, and the U.S.

Although 2025 is expected to be a transitional year for new investors across The Hundred, more visible changes in team operations, marketing, and global outreach are likely from 2026 onward.

Southern Brave Sponsors

Southern Brave’s consistent on-field success, coupled with their vibrant coastal identity and fan-friendly brand, has made them a highly attractive property for sponsors. As one of the most recognisable sides in The Hundred, the Brave have partnered with a range of brands across sectors—from sportswear and food to hospitality and tech. With the entry of GMR Group in 2025, their commercial portfolio is set to expand further on the global stage.

Title and Kit Partner: Pom-Bear

In 2025, Pom-Bear, the iconic snack brand, stepped up as the title sponsor and official kit partner of Southern Brave. The partnership has brought a playful, colourful, and widely recognisable identity to the team’s branding and merchandise. Pom-Bear’s association reflects