Birmingham Phoenix finally broke their winless streak in the 2026 Women’s Hundred with a thrilling finish that saw them edge past Welsh Fire by a single ball, all under the watchful eye of investor Jude Bellingham. Entering the match at Edgbaston, the Phoenix were languishing at the bottom of the table, having amassed only two points from their opening games. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric as the home crowd hoped for a turnaround.
Welsh Fire won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a competitive total of 144 runs from their allotted 100 balls. The cornerstone of that innings was Georgia Voll, who smashed 78 runs off just 55 deliveries, anchoring the Fire's chase and keeping them in contention throughout the innings.
Her aggressive stroke play set the tone, but the Phoenix bowlers managed to keep the run rate in check, limiting the Fire's momentum in the later overs. When it was Phoenix's turn to chase, the responsibility fell heavily on the shoulders of Elysse Perry and Alice Capsey. Perry contributed a brisk 68 runs without being dismissed, while Capsey added a valuable 51.
Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also shifted the pressure back onto Welsh Fire. The run chase progressed steadily, yet the Phoenix still required ten more runs with three balls left on the clock.
In a dramatic climax, Perry unleashed a six over deep mid‑wicket, sending the ball soaring past the boundary. The next delivery saw her strike a four through point, sealing a one‑ball victory for Birmingham. The win was celebrated wildly by the home supporters, who had endured a series of disappointing results earlier in the tournament.
After the match, Perry spoke to Sky Sports, describing the experience: "It is lovely to have the win at home, amazing atmosphere here today. I thought we did pretty well to restrict the Fire there with our bowling and then we just timed it at the end to get over the line. The results haven't been there for us but we've had a lot of fun as a group. Today was another cool opportunity and a nice challenge.
Partnerships are crucial and the way Alice batted today was outstanding. To have the opportunity there to take it deep and have a chance in the last 10. It was a great contest." Jude Bellingham, who had purchased a 1.2 percent stake in the Phoenix earlier in the year, was present in the stands for the women's match and later for the men's contest, also featuring Welsh Fire. His involvement underscores the growing crossover interest between football and cricket, and his presence added an extra layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
Prior to this victory, Birmingham Phoenix had suffered defeats at the hands of Southern Brave and Trent Rockets, and a rain‑affected match against Manchester Super Giants had been abandoned, leaving the Phoenix with a disappointing start to their campaign. The win lifts them to fifth place in the Hundred standings, while Welsh Fire slip to seventh. Meanwhile, Southern Brave continued to dominate the competition, extending their lead at the top of the table with a flawless five‑win record after a decisive five‑wicket triumph over London Spirit at Lord's. Their bowlers displayed exceptional control and variation, restricting the Spirit's batting line‑up at every turn.
Brave captain Sophie Molineux delivered an outstanding spell, claiming three wickets for just seven runs in her 20‑ball spell – the second most economical figures in Hundred history, behind teammate Lauren Bell's 4‑6 performance against Welsh Fire last season. Chasing a target of 115, London Spirit's innings was punctuated by early breakthroughs.
Marizanne Kapp dismissed Lizelle Lee caught‑and‑bowled on the fifth ball of the reply and then turned her attention to the in‑form Jemimah Rodrigues. Despite their efforts, the Spirit could not keep pace with the challenging Lord's surface, and Maia Bouchier's 46 from 38 balls proved the difference. The Brave stumbled close to the finish line, losing both Bouchier and Molineux (who fell for 23) with just one run required. Molineux was spectacularly caught by Deandra Dottin at mid‑wicket, but the remaining batswoman guided the side home with seven balls to spare.
Molineux, hailed as the Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on the victory: "The pitch had a little bit in it for the spinners. I thought Tilly (Corteen‑Coleman) bowled really well from that top end as well and Glenny (Sarah Glenn) played a massive role there in the middle doing what she does best. It was a really good bowling performance from everyone all round.
No standouts, just everyone playing their role." The Hundred continues to capture the imagination of sports fans across the UK, blending fast‑paced cricket with a festival‑like atmosphere. With matches streaming on NOW and additional coverage on Sky Sports, supporters can follow every game right up to the final scheduled for Sunday, August 16. The competition's blend of international stars, emerging talent, and high‑stakes drama promises more unforgettable moments as teams battle for the coveted final spot.
As the season progresses, Birmingham Phoenix will look to build on their newfound confidence, aiming to climb higher in the table and perhaps challenge the dominant Southern Brave. For Welsh Fire, the loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins in this format, where a single ball can determine the outcome. Both sides will undoubtedly regroup, analyze their performances, and return with renewed vigor in the upcoming fixtures. The Hundred's unique structure ensures that every match carries weight, and fans can expect more nail‑biting finishes, strategic brilliance, and star performances as the tournament races toward its climax.