In a striking display of bowling dominance, the Birmingham Phoenix were bundled out for just 64 runs by the Trent Rockets, suffering a crushing nine‑wicket defeat at Edgbaston in the women's segment of The Hundred competition. The low total, which saw more than half of the runs contributed by Australia's star all‑rounder Ellyse Perry, who scored 39, was marked by a series of early dismissals: four Phoenix batters fell for ducks, and the team's second‑highest scorer managed only six runs. This 64‑run effort ranks as the joint second‑lowest score recorded in the tournament's history, eclipsed only by Phoenix’s own 54 all‑out collapse earlier in the 2024 season. The Rockets’ bowling unit delivered a masterclass, with uncapped Australian spinner Samantha Bates leading the charge by claiming three wickets for just ten runs.
Fellow Australian Kim Garth added two for five, while former England all‑rounder Georgia Elwiss contributed three for 13, collectively dismantling the Phoenix batting lineup. Their disciplined, spin‑focused strategy proved decisive, especially on a pitch that favored turn at Edgbaston. Following the dramatic collapse, the Rockets chased down the modest target with astonishing efficiency, reaching the required runs in just 31 balls.
England’s dynamic opener Sophia Dunkley was the standout, smashing nine boundaries and finishing unbeaten on 43 off only 17 deliveries. She was ably supported by Sophie Luff, who contributed a quickfire 19 not out from nine balls after the early exit of Australian opener Beth Mooney, who was dismissed for a modest four. Phoenix’s top order offered little resistance.
Their three most experienced batters—Davina Perrin (2), Tammy Beaumont (0) and Alice Capsey (1)—combined for a paltry three runs. The middle order, comprising Annerie Dercksen, Jemima Spence and Kayla Reneyeke, failed to add any runs at all, leaving the team heavily reliant on Perry’s lone half‑century.
Perry, who was dropped on nine by fellow Australian Ash Gardner, managed to stave off an even more humiliating defeat, but the damage was already done. Samantha Bates was named Player of the Match for her pivotal role in the victory.
In her post‑match interview, Bates expressed her delight at the result, noting, "It’s pretty cool to play my first game here with Rockets and get the win on the board. We thought we’d go spin‑heavy at Edgbaston and we’re glad that it paid off." She praised Kim Garth’s early spell, saying, "Kimmy bowled really well up front. It was nice that I kind of got the reward, but Kimmy really set the tone for us." Bates also highlighted the importance of a vigorous warm‑up, adding, "We also had a pretty frantic warm‑up and I think we should stick to that because we fielded brilliantly out there." The match was part of a packed four‑match day featuring two fixtures each at Headingley and Cardiff.
Later in the schedule, SunRisers Leeds will host Southern Brave, with the women’s match slated for 11:00 am and the men’s at 2:30 pm. Meanwhile, Welsh Fire will take on MI London, with the women’s contest beginning at 2:30 pm followed by the men’s game at 6:00 pm. The result underscores the volatility inherent in The Hundred’s fast‑paced format, where a single dominant bowling performance can dramatically swing the outcome.
Phoenix will need to regroup and address their batting frailties, particularly the inability to build partnerships and protect against early wickets. For the Rockets, the win reinforces the effectiveness of a spin‑centric game plan on conducive surfaces, and they will look to carry this momentum forward into their upcoming fixtures. Fans can stay updated with the latest tables, stream live coverage via NOW, and follow ongoing Hundred news and video highlights. Sky Sports also offers a WhatsApp channel for real‑time updates and behind‑the‑scenes content.