Southern Brave's women limbered up for Saturday's Hundred final by beating second-placed Oval Invincibles by 31 runs.

With the Invincibles already assured of a place in the eliminator at their home ground on Friday, both sides were playing for nothing more than pride, in what could potentially be a dress rehearsal for the decider at Lord's.

But it was the Brave who claimed the bragging rights with a resounding win, despite being restricted to what appeared to be an under-par 115 for three before their bowlers struck back as the visitors lost their last eight wickets for 21 runs to be dismissed for 85 with six balls to spare.

Australian leg-spinner Amanda-Jade Wellington took four for 12 and Lauren Bell three for 22 with only Invincibles skipper Dane van Niekerk and fellow South African Marizanne Kapp chalking up double figure scores.

Another excellent innings of 58 not out by England batter Sophia Dunkley helped the Brave to what appeared to be a modest score.

The Brave named Gaby Lewis at the top of the order after Smriti Mandhana returned home ahead of India's tour of Australia next month, but the Irish international fell to Tash Farren for just nine after Grace Gibbs took a smart catch above her head at mid-off.

Van Niekerk grabbed the crucial second wicket of in-form Danni Wyatt for 20, in what was a reward for some tight bowling from the hosts.

Van Niekerk, Alice Capsley and Kapp in particular bowled superbly to contain the hosts' powerful top order with only 39 runs scored from the first 50 balls.

But despite the bowlers playing their part they were not backed up in the field with Jo Gardner spilling two simple chances

Gardner first dropped by Dunkley for 30 and three balls later put down Stafanie Taylor for 11.

The pair eventually added 75 for the third wicket before the West Indies skipper was dismissed on the 98th ball by Farrant with Gardner finally holding on to a catch.