Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in the Women's Hundred, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon as they edged out MI London by a narrow margin. The match turned into a showcase of composure and skill, highlighted by Ellyse Perry’s elegant half‑century, which ultimately forced MI London into their sixth defeat of a challenging season. Both sides entered the contest with just a single win each, making the stakes unusually high for a mid‑table clash.
Phoenix broke a three‑match losing streak thanks to a decisive fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who smashed 62 runs off just 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a quick‑fire 36 from 32 deliveries. Their stand not only steadied the innings but also propelled Phoenix to a respectable total of 122, a score that proved just enough to secure a seventh‑place finish on the league table. The hosts elected to chase after winning the toss, hoping to chase down the modest target without too much pressure.
Their innings began shakily, slipping to 48 for 4 in the powerplay after early wickets fell—Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin were dismissed cheaply, while England’s rising stars Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell early. Left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an immediate impact, returning figures of 2‑20 and keeping the run‑rate in check. At this juncture, Perry’s experience shone through. She found a reliable partner in Fatima Sana, who steadied the ship and built a partnership that kept Phoenix in contention.
Sana eventually fell to a catch by Nicola Carey when the required runs dwindled to just seven, but Perry’s steady hand ensured the victory was sealed with six balls remaining. The match also featured several noteworthy moments beyond the main partnership. After choosing to chase, the hosts made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews attempted to revive the innings, scoring a rapid 21 off 14 balls and hitting four boundaries, but her momentum was short‑lived.
She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling, and Melie Kerr was bowled on the very next ball by Phoebe Brett, who trapped her with a delivery that edged to Perry at mid‑off. MI London’s innings faltered further when Alice Monaghan was clean bowled by an off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving the side at 47 for 4. In response, Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry attempted a rebuild, adding 56 runs for the fifth wicket. Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off the bowling of Alana King.
The visitors tried to accelerate, with Armitice (31 off 31) and Fatima Carey dispatching King for boundaries, but their total of 120 for 6 remained well below the par score. Armitage’s final wicket fell to Gray (2‑29) on the last ball of the innings, cementing MI London’s underwhelming campaign.
After the match, Perry reflected on the team’s performance: "It feels great to finish on a high note, especially at home with such a fantastic atmosphere. We bowled exceptionally well and gave everything we had throughout the tournament. Although the results didn’t always go our way, ending the season with a win is wonderful." In other Women's Hundred action, Welsh Fire wrapped up their campaign with a 15‑run victory over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens.
Neither side could advance from the group stage, so the match was more about pride than progression. Fire’s captain Georgia Wareham anchored the innings with a half‑century, guiding the team to a competitive total of 138 for 7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, dismantling the Spirit’s top order early.
London Spirit stumbled to 2 for 2 within the first seven balls as Harris and Marie Kelly fell in quick succession to Grace Potts, who also removed opener Amy Jones. Captain Charlie Dean (27) attempted to steer a recovery, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure relentless.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, ensuring London Spirit were bowled out for 123 off 99 deliveries. The Fire’s disciplined bowling and disciplined batting allowed them to close their season on a positive note. Fans can continue to follow the remainder of The Hundred, including the upcoming finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
All matches are available to stream without a contract on NOW, and highlights, key moments, and in‑depth analysis can be accessed through Sky Sports’ platforms and their WhatsApp channel for the latest updates. The tournament has provided a blend of emerging talent and seasoned internationals, delivering thrilling cricket across both the men’s and women’s competitions.