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 was highlighted by a composed half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry, who guided her side to a six‑run triumph and handed MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging campaign. Both teams entered the encounter with only one win each, making the stakes high for a side‑by‑side battle for survival.
Phoenix, who had been on a three‑match losing streak, managed to turn the tide thanks to a vital fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who scored an unbeaten 62 off 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a quick‑fire 36 from 32 deliveries. Their stand not only halted the losing run but also propelled Phoenix to seventh place in the final standings. The hosts set a modest target of 122 runs after winning the toss and electing to chase. Their innings stumbled early, slipping to 48 for 4 when Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin were dismissed during the powerplay.
England’s promising batters Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made early inroads, returning figures of 2‑20. Despite the early setbacks, Perry found a reliable partner in Sana. The duo steadied the chase, and even when Sana was eventually bowled out by Nicola Carey with just seven runs still required, Perry held her nerve and steered Phoenix home with six balls to spare. The match narrative was punctuated by several notable moments.
After winning the toss, the hosts made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer trapped Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews tried to revive the innings, scoring 21 off 14 balls and striking four boundaries, but her momentum was short‑lived. She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling, and Melie Kerr was dismissed on the very next ball by Phoebe Brett, who bowled a delivery that the ball spooned to Perry at mid‑off.
MI London’s innings also featured drama. 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 built a steady partnership, adding 56 runs for the fifth wicket.
Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off Alana King. The visitors attempted to accelerate, with Armitage (31 off 31) and Fatima Carey dispatching King for boundaries. However, the total of 120 for 6 fell well short of the target.
Armitage was the last wicket to fall, caught by Gray for a figure of 2‑29, sealing MI London’s underwhelming campaign. After the match, Perry reflected on the win: "It's nice to finish on a high. I thought we bowled especially well.
I can't fault our effort the whole way through this tournament, we've given it absolutely everything we can, it just hasn't come off for the most part. To finish well, at home, with a really great atmosphere here as usual, was lovely." The article also touched on other fixtures from the final day of the women's Hundred. In Cardiff, Welsh Fire secured 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. Welsh Fire built momentum through a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138‑7. Grace Harris bowled exceptionally, taking three wickets for just 15 runs. London Spirit stumbled early, losing two wickets in the first seven balls, and were eventually bowled out for 123 off 99 balls, thanks to incisive spells from Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale, each claiming two wickets.
Fans were reminded to follow Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest updates, videos, and analysis, and to use Chrome for an optimal video‑player experience. The article concluded with a reminder that all Hundred matches, including the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16, can be streamed contract‑free on NOW, offering viewers comprehensive coverage of the tournament’s climax. Overall, Birmingham Phoenix’s gritty performance, anchored by Perry’s masterful innings, not only salvaged a season‑ending win but also provided a satisfying conclusion for their supporters, while MI London were left to reflect on a campaign that fell short of expectations.