The Hundred: Southern Brave ready to chase more glory at Utilita Bowl

The Hundred returns to Utilita Bowl next week, with Southern Brave once again among the leading contenders in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Few teams can match the success Southern Brave have enjoyed since the competition launched in 2021.

The men’s side were crowned inaugural champions, lifting the title in the tournament’s first season, while the women followed suit by becoming champions in 2023.

More recently, Southern Brave Women continued to set the standard by becoming the first team in the competition’s history to complete an unbeaten league-stage campaign in 2025 before eventually falling agonisingly short in the final. 

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Star power across both squads

That track record has established Utilita Bowl as one of the competition’s great venues, with packed crowds and a reputation for producing some of The Hundred’s most entertaining cricket.

As ever, Southern Brave have assembled some of the biggest names in world cricket.

The men’s group features England stars Jofra Archer, Jamie Smith, Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan, alongside Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis, powerful wicketkeeper-batter Michael Pepper and exciting all-round talent Nikhil Chaudhary.

Jemimah Rodrigues adds flair and superstar quality to the women’s squad, while South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt brings proven world-class talent at the top of the order.

England internationals and Hampshire Cricket stars Lauren Bell and Maia Bouchier provide further strength in a team that has consistently challenged for silverware throughout the competition’s history.

The blend of international stars, England regulars and emerging domestic talent means Southern Brave look well equipped to challenge on both fronts once again.

A fast start the priority

Setting the tone early will prove crucial in a competition where every match carries significant weight.

Southern Brave begin the season at home against Welsh Fire on Wednesday 22 July, with Utilita Bowl expected to provide a lively backdrop as both squads look to lay down an early marker for the rest of the tournament.

With just eight group-stage matches before the knockout rounds, momentum can quickly define a season. Southern Brave’s recent history suggests they know better than most how to build that momentum and turn it into title challenges.

Home fixtures at Utilita Bowl

• 22 July: Southern Brave v Welsh Fire
• 27 July: Southern Brave v MI London
• 30 July: Southern Brave v Birmingham Phoenix
• 8 August: Southern Brave v Manchester Super Giants

Away fixtures

• 25 July: Sunrisers Leeds v Southern Brave – Headingley
• 1 August: London Spirit v Southern Brave – Lord’s
• 3 August: Welsh Fire v Southern Brave – Sophia Gardens
• 10 August: Trent Rockets v Southern Brave – Trent Bridge

Knockout phase

• Eliminator: Friday 14 August – Kia Oval
• Final: Sunday 16 August – Lord’s

Fresh leadership for 2026

Southern Brave enters the 2026 campaign with new captains at the helm.

England white-ball star and Southern Brave stalwart Chris Jordan takes charge of the men’s side, having been part of the franchise since their title-winning campaign in 2021.

On the women’s side, Australian international Sophie Molineux will lead a squad packed with world-class talent and experience.

The leadership change is complemented by an evolved coaching structure across both teams.

For the men, head coach Hemang Badani is supported by assistant coach Ian Bell, with Shane Burger joining as bowling coach, former India international Mohit Sharma appointed to the coaching group and ex-Ireland international John Mooney taking on fielding duties.  

The women’s team is under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Batty and assistant coach Anya Shrubsole, with Tharindu Perera appointed batting coach and former England international Jenny Gunn joining as fielding coach.

The result is a coaching set-up boasting elite international experience across all areas of the game.

READ MORE: Southern Brave name Sophie Molineux and Chris Jordan as captains