Best Economy Rates in The Hundred Women’s Competition (2026)

Written By: Sanjay Thomas
Published: July 28, 2026

Phoebe Brett currently holds the best career economy rate in The Hundred Women’s Competition at 4.50, followed by Lauren Cheatle (5.20) and Sophie Molineux (5.72).

These rankings are based on career records updated through the 2026 season. Economy rate highlights the bowlers who consistently restrict scoring while maintaining pressure throughout their spells.

Below is the complete list of the best career economy rates in The Hundred Women, along with a player-by-player breakdown of their performances.

Top 10 Best Economy Rates In The Hundred Women’s Competition

The top 10 career economy rates are led by four seamers and six spinners or medium-pacers, with Southern Brave providing four entries on the list. Here’s the complete ranking based on 2025 season data, which remains current until The Hundred 2026 starts in August.

RankBowlerTeamMatchesWicketsBest FiguresAverageEconomyStrike Rate
1Phoebe BrettBirmingham Phoenix343/197.504.5010.00
2Lauren CheatleSouthern Brave772/615.855.2018.20
3Sophie MolineuxBirmingham Phoenix / Southern Brave9103/1416.405.7217.20
4Suzie BatesTrent Rockets243/1010.006.0010.00
5Marizanne KappLondon Spirit / Oval Invincibles35514/912.746.0612.60
6Mahika GaurManchester Originals1482/1028.006.2526.80
7Deepti SharmaLondon Spirit / Sunrisers Leeds18203/1817.756.2617.00
8Annabel SutherlandNorthern Superchargers / Sunrisers Leeds / Welsh Fire25324/1115.316.3714.40
9Shabnim IsmailOval Invincibles / Welsh Fire35333/1220.936.5119.20
10Sophie EcclestoneManchester Originals / Manchester Super Giants34364/1120.166.5618.40

Bowler-By-Bowler Analysis

Here’s what actually happened on the pitch for each name on the list. Each player gets a closer look at their numbers and the games that shaped them.

1. Phoebe Brett – Birmingham Phoenix (Economy 4.50)

Phoebe Brett’s 4.50 economy came with four wickets and a best of 3/19, a strong return for a young bowler in her breakout tournament. She played three matches, bowling 40 deliveries total.

Phoebe Brett
Source: IPL.com

Her average of 7.50 is genuinely absurd in a 100-ball format. Brett is part of Birmingham Phoenix’s domestic core and also represents Warwickshire.

She dismissed batters at a strike rate of 10.00, meaning a wicket every 10 balls. For a spinner operating in PowerPlay slots, those figures are Champions League-level efficient.

2. Lauren Cheatle – Southern Brave (Economy 5.20)

Lauren Cheatle’s 5.20 economy came with seven wickets and best figures of 2/6, making her one of the most economical seam bowlers in The Hundred. She featured in seven matches, bowling 128 deliveries.

Lauren Cheatle – Southern Brave
Source: Sky Sports

Her average of 15.85 reflects her ability to keep scoring under control while striking regularly with the new ball. Cheatle’s disciplined lines and left-arm angle have made her a valuable option for Southern Brave.

She claimed a wicket every 18.2 balls, consistently building pressure through tight spells rather than relying on expensive wicket-taking deliveries.

3. Sophie Molineux – Birmingham Phoenix / Southern Brave (Economy 5.72)

Sophie Molineux has maintained an economy of 5.72 across nine matches, taking 10 wickets with best figures of 3/14. She bowled 172 deliveries during this period.

Sophie Molineux – Birmingham Phoenix / Southern Brave
Source: ESPNCricInfo

Her average of 16.40 highlights her consistency as a left-arm spinner capable of controlling the middle overs. Molineux has represented both Birmingham Phoenix and Southern Brave in the competition.

She struck every 17.2 balls, regularly breaking partnerships while keeping the run rate in check.

4. Suzie Bates – Trent Rockets (Economy 6.00)

Suzie Bates recorded an economy rate of 6.00 while taking four wickets in her first two appearances for Trent Rockets. Her best bowling figures stand at 3/10 from 40 deliveries.

Suzie Bates – Trent Rockets
Source: ESPNCricInfo

An average of 10.00 underlines Bates’ immediate impact with the ball despite being better known for her batting. Her medium pace has provided valuable breakthroughs when required.

She dismissed a batter every 10 balls, matching one of the best strike rates among bowlers on this list.

5. Marizanne Kapp – London Spirit / Oval Invincibles (Economy 6.06)

Marizanne Kapp has been one of the standout bowlers in The Hundred, claiming 51 wickets in 35 matches with best figures of 4/9. She has delivered 643 balls across multiple seasons.

Marizanne Kapp – London Spirit / Oval Invincibles
Source: Sky Sports

Her average of 12.74 reflects remarkable consistency with both the new ball and at the death. Kapp’s accuracy and ability to swing the ball have made her one of the tournament’s premier fast bowlers.

She has taken a wicket every 12.6 balls, combining economy with an outstanding strike rate.

6. Mahika Gaur – Manchester Originals (Economy 5.26)

Mahika Gaur bowled eight matches for Manchester Originals with an economy of 5.26, the best among seamers in the top three. The UAE-born pacer has been capped by England at the senior level since 2023.

Mahika Gaur
Source: Sky Sports

Gaur stands at 6’3″ and extracts steep bounce, which is rare in the women’s 100-ball format. Her best figures of 2/10 reflect miserly spells rather than wicket-taking bursts.

Her wicket tally of four looks modest next to the 15-wicket haulers, but the containment numbers are what earn her the spot here. Batters simply could not get under her length.

7. Deepti Sharma – London Spirit / Sunrisers Leeds (Economy 6.26)

Deepti Sharma has taken 20 wickets in 18 matches at an economy of 6.26, with best figures of 3/18. She has bowled 340 deliveries in the competition.

Deepti Sharma – London Spirit / Sunrisers Leeds
Source: Instagram

Her average of 17.75 reflects her value as an all-round spinner who can contain runs and pick up crucial wickets. Deepti has represented both London Spirit and Sunrisers Leeds.

She has struck every 17 balls, making her one of the most dependable spin bowlers in the tournament.

8. Annabel Sutherland – Northern Superchargers / Sunrisers Leeds / Welsh Fire (Economy 6.37)

Annabel Sutherland has collected 32 wickets from 25 matches while maintaining an economy of 6.37. Her best bowling figures are 4/11 from 461 deliveries.

Annabel Sutherland – Northern Superchargers / Sunrisers Leeds
Source: Sky Sports

An average of 15.31 highlights her effectiveness as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder. Sutherland has represented three different franchises during her Hundred career.

She has taken a wicket every 14.4 balls, combining pace, bounce, and consistency across multiple seasons.

9. Shabnim Ismail – Oval Invincibles / Welsh Fire (Economy 6.51)

Shabnim Ismail has claimed 33 wickets in 35 matches with best figures of 3/12 while maintaining an economy rate of 6.51. She has bowled 636 deliveries.

Shabnim Ismail – Oval Invincibles / Welsh Fire
Source: The Hundred

Her average of 20.93 reflects the attacking role she has played throughout the tournament. Ismail’s pace has regularly troubled top-order batters for both Oval Invincibles and Welsh Fire.

She has taken a wicket every 19.2 balls, using her express speed to create constant wicket-taking opportunities.

10. Sophie Ecclestone – Manchester Originals / Manchester Super Giants (Economy 6.56)

Sophie Ecclestone has taken 36 wickets in 34 matches at an economy rate of 6.56, with career-best figures of 4/11. She has bowled 664 deliveries in The Hundred.

Sophie Ecclestone – Manchester Originals / Manchester Super Giants
Source: ESPNCricinfo

Her average of 20.16 reflects her consistency as one of the world’s leading left-arm spinners. Ecclestone has represented both Manchester Originals and Manchester Super Giants in the competition.

She has struck every 18.4 balls, regularly delivering breakthroughs while maintaining control through the middle overs.

Team-Wise Breakdown Of Economy Rate Leaders

Southern Brave contributes four bowlers to the top ten list, the highest of any franchise. This explains why their 2025 league campaign produced a 100% win rate through the regular season.

Here’s the count per franchise:

  • Southern Brave: 4 (Bell, Corteen-Coleman, Adams, and one more in the extended list)
  • Northern Superchargers: 2 (Ballinger, Wareham)
  • Manchester Originals: 2 (Gaur, Filer)
  • London Spirit: 1 (Norris)
  • Birmingham Phoenix: 1 (Brett)
  • Welsh Fire: 1 (Matthews)

Two teams missing entirely: Oval Invincibles and Trent Rockets. For Invincibles, that’s striking because they had dominated earlier editions. Their 2025 bowling unit was simply off the pace compared to the leaders.

Why These Economy Rates Stand Out

The Hundred Women’s 2025 averaged approximately 7.5 runs per over across team totals, meaning every bowler on this list is conceding at least 1.2 runs per over less than average. That gap translates to roughly 20 runs saved per innings.

Two patterns jump out from the numbers:

  • Seamers dominate the top end. Norris, Brett, and Filer all operate in the powerplay phase, where new-ball movement matters. Spin comes in at lower positions.
  • Pressure bowling beats wicket-hunting. Norris took only 2 wickets but sits at number one. Bell took 19 and sits at four. Economy rate rewards the dots, not the scalps.

Fun side note: the men’s Hundred 2025 best career economy rate was Liam Dawson at around 6.94, higher than every bowler in this women’s list. Women’s bowlers are simply tighter in this format, as confirmed by aggregate team comparisons.

How The Hundred 2026 Could Reshape These Numbers

The Hundred 2026 moves to an open auction system, replacing the fixed-band salary model used since 2021. This means squads look different, and some of the names above may play for new teams.

Key 2026 changes already confirmed:

  • Northern Superchargers rebrands as Sunrisers Leeds, now owned by Sun Group
  • Oval Invincibles minority stake acquired by Reliance Industries
  • Women’s team salary cap rises to £880,000, doubling from 2025’s £440,000 pot
  • The salary jump is expected to attract more international talent, especially from the WPL and WBBL markets

For bowlers on this list, more competition also means more run-scoring pressure from batters. Holding onto a sub-6 economy rate in 2026 will be harder than in 2025.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England also runs just after The Hundred. Expect bowlers like Lauren Bell, Annabel Sutherland, and Hayley Matthews to use the tournament as direct preparation.

What The Economy Rate Means For Fantasy And Betting Markets

Sub-6 economy bowlers are undervalued in fantasy cricket formats for The Hundred Women’s, where wicket-takers usually get the attention. Platforms like Dream11 and FanCode award points for dot balls and maidens.

If you’re picking a team, the four Southern Brave bowlers plus Norris give you both floor and ceiling. Bell covers the wicket-taking upside, while Norris covers the economy floor.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet for 2026 fantasy picks from this list:

  • Safe floor pick: Lauren Bell (wickets + economy combo)
  • Sleeper pick: Tilly Corteen-Coleman (young, getting more overs in 2026)
  • Overseas impact: Hayley Matthews (all-rounder ceiling)

Cricket betting markets also price the “most economical bowler” prop. These are usually set around 6.00-6.50 for top-tier bowlers. The data above tells you which names beat that line consistently.

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Conclusion: Phoebe Brett, Lauren Cheatle, and Sophie Molineux Hold the Best Economy Rates in The Hundred Women’s Competition!

The latest best economy rates in The Hundred Women’s Competition highlight the importance of accuracy and consistency in the 100-ball format. Phoebe Brett, Lauren Cheatle, and Sophie Molineux currently lead the rankings, while experienced bowlers like Marizanne Kapp, Annabel Sutherland, and Sophie Ecclestone continue to combine tight economy rates with regular wickets.

As The Hundred 2026 continues, maintaining one of the best economy rates in The Hundred Women’s Competition will become even tougher against stronger batting line-ups. Consistently restricting runs while taking key wickets will remain the hallmark of the tournament’s most successful bowlers.

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