Birmingham Phoenix managed to clinch a crucial win in the final round of The Hundred women’s competition, averting the dreaded wooden spoon after a hard‑fought battle against MI London. The match turned into a showcase for Australian star Ellyse Perry, whose calm and measured half‑century steered the Phoenix to a six‑run triumph, handing MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging season.
Both sides entered the encounter with just a single win each from the earlier fixtures, making the stakes unusually high for a game that, on paper, seemed like a routine mid‑table clash. The Phoenix, however, were determined to snap a three‑match losing run and finish the tournament on a positive note. Their effort paid off thanks to a pivotal fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who struck 62 runs off just 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a quick‑fire 36 from 32 deliveries.
This stand not only halted Birmingham’s slump but also secured them a respectable seventh‑place finish on the league table. The hosts, MI London, elected to chase after winning the toss and set themselves a modest target of 122 runs. Their innings began shakily, with the early loss of Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin during the powerplay, leaving them at 48 for 4. England’s promising batters Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb were also dismissed cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made early inroads, returning figures of 2 for 20.
Despite these setbacks, MI London managed to rebuild thanks to a brief surge from Hayley Matthews, who struck 21 runs off 14 balls and added four boundaries, giving the side a glimmer of hope. Matthews’ momentum was short‑lived, however.
She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling, and Melie Kerr fell on the very next ball, caught by Perry at mid‑off. The early wickets left MI London reeling at 47 for 4, prompting a partnership between Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry.
The duo added 56 runs for the fifth wicket, with Henry scoring a brisk 42 off 33 before being bowled by Perry off the bowling of Alana King. By the time the partnership collapsed, MI London’s total had crept to 120 for 6, still trailing the required 122. The final overs saw Armitage (31 off 31) and Nicola Carey dispatching King for boundaries, but the pressure was mounting.
Armitage was eventually dismissed by Eva Gray, who recorded figures of 2 for 29, on the last ball of the innings. MI London were left to rue a campaign that had failed to deliver the results they hoped for, ending with a disappointing 120‑6. After the match, Perry reflected on the victory: “It feels great to finish on a high note. I think we bowled particularly well today.
I can’t fault the effort we put in throughout the tournament; we gave it everything we had, even if the results didn’t always go our way. To end the season at home, with such a fantastic atmosphere, was wonderful.” In other news from the women’s Hundred, Welsh Fire capped their tournament with a 15‑run win over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Neither side could advance beyond the group stage, so the match was largely about pride.
Fire’s captain Georgia Wareham anchored the innings with a half‑century, guiding the team to a total of 138‑7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, dismantling London Spirit’s batting line‑up early. After a quick loss of two wickets within the first seven balls, London Spirit found themselves in deep trouble, eventually being bowled out for 123 off 99 deliveries. Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, underscoring the dominance of the Fire’s bowling attack.
The Hundred continues to capture fans’ attention across the UK, with both men’s and women’s tables now finalized. Viewers can catch all the action, including highlights and key moments, on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform, which offers contract‑free access to live matches up to the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
For those who prefer a more accessible video experience, using the Chrome browser is recommended. Fans are also encouraged to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for real‑time updates, videos, features, and in‑depth analysis of their favourite teams and players. Overall, Birmingham Phoenix’s win not only lifted them out of the bottom of the table but also provided a morale‑boosting finish to a season that had its share of ups and downs. Their ability to rally under pressure, highlighted by Perry’s masterful innings and Sana’s supportive partnership, demonstrates the resilience and competitive spirit that defines The Hundred’s fast‑paced format.
As the tournament draws to a close, both the Phoenix and MI London will reflect on the lessons learned, while supporters look forward to the upcoming finals and the promise of more thrilling cricket in the seasons to come.