It was a perfect start to The Hundred for the Northern Superchargers, who delivered a double blow to Welsh Fire at Headingley on Thursday — the men winning by eight wickets and the women cruising to a 47-run victory.
Crawley and Brook Lead the Charge for the Men
England stars Zak Crawley and Harry Brook showcased their class with the bat, guiding Northern Superchargers Men to a comprehensive win in their opening match. Chasing 144, Crawley was at his fluent best, smashing an unbeaten 67 off 38 balls, while Brook finished with a quick-fire 25* off 15, sealing the victory with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier, Welsh Fire had managed just 143 for 9 from their 100 balls despite a promising start from Jonny Bairstow (42) and Steve Smith (20). England's spin ace Adil Rashid, along with Matthew Potts and Imad Wasim, took two wickets each to keep the visitors in check.
Crawley and Dawid Malan (41) put on a commanding 91-run stand for the opening wicket, effectively putting the game out of Welsh Fire’s reach. Crawley struck five fours and four sixes in his commanding knock, with Brook adding the finishing touches in style.
Australian Duo Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland Shines in Women’s Big Win
In the women's match, it was the Australians who stole the spotlight. Georgia Wareham and Annabel Sutherland delivered standout all-round performances to help the Superchargers Women crush Welsh Fire by 47 runs.
Batting first, the hosts posted 141 for 4, thanks to a strong finish from Wareham (29* off 17) and Hollie Armitage (34*). The pair shared an unbroken 52-run partnership after solid contributions from Sutherland (28) and Davina Perrin (21) at the top. Hayley Matthews was the pick of the Fire bowlers, returning figures of 2 for 18.
Wareham then starred with the ball and in the field. She picked up 2 for 19 in her 20 balls and was involved in two run outs — dismissing Sophia Dunkley and Georgia Elwiss — before claiming the key wickets of Jess Jonassen and Katie George. Tammy Beaumont top-scored with 36 for Welsh Fire, but the visitors folded for 94 as wickets tumbled around her. Sutherland capped off her day with 1 for 19, sealing a dominant display.
Next Stop: Edgbaston Showdown
The action now moves to Edgbaston where Birmingham Phoenix Women will face Trent Rockets Women, followed by a high-stakes clash between their men’s sides later in the day.
