Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in the women’s Hundred, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon as they defeated 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 loss of a difficult campaign.
Both teams entered the encounter with only a single win each, making the stakes unusually high for a mid‑table clash. Phoenix, desperate to halt a three‑match losing streak, built a decisive partnership for the fifth wicket.
Perry, scoring an unbeaten 62 runs off just 39 balls, combined with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 runs from 32 deliveries. Their 66‑run stand not only steadied the innings but also propelled Phoenix to a modest target of 122, ultimately securing a consolation victory and lifting them to seventh place on the league table. The chase began shakily for the hosts, who stumbled to 48 for 4 after early wickets fell to Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin in 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 for 20. Despite the early wobble, Perry found a reliable partner in Sana. The duo steadied the innings, and even when Sana was eventually dismissed by Nicola Carey with just seven runs required, Perry held her nerve. She sealed the win with six balls to spare, showcasing the calmness that has become her trademark in high‑pressure situations.
The match narrative was further enriched by several noteworthy moments. After winning the toss, MI London elected to chase and opened strongly when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw.
Hayley Matthews, looking to rediscover form, added a quickfire 21 off 14 balls, hitting four boundaries to inject momentum. However, her resurgence was short‑lived; 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.
MI London’s middle order also faced setbacks. Alice Monaghan was clean bowled by an exquisite off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving the side at 47 for 4. In response, Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry attempted a rebuild, forging a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off the spin of Alana King. The visitors tried to accelerate, with Armitage (31 off 31) and Nicola Carey dispatching King for boundaries, but their total of 120 for 6 fell short of the target.
Phoenix’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. After Armitage’s dismissal by Gray (2‑29) on the final ball, MI London were left to contemplate an underwhelming season, having failed to convert opportunities into victories. Post‑match, Perry reflected on the win: "It feels great to finish on a high note. I think we bowled especially well today.
I can’t fault our effort throughout the tournament; we gave it everything we could, even if the results didn’t always go our way. Finishing at home, in front of a fantastic atmosphere, was 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 progress beyond the group stage, so the match carried little at stake, but the Fire built momentum thanks to a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138‑7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, dismantling London Spirit’s top order early.
After a quick loss of two wickets, London found themselves 2 for 2 after just seven balls, with Harris and Marie Kelly falling in consecutive deliveries to Grace Potts, who also dismissed opener Amy Jones. Captain Charlie Dean (27) attempted 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 all out for 123 off 99 balls. Fans can continue to follow the excitement of The Hundred as the tournament progresses toward its finals on Sunday, August 16. All matches, including the climactic final, are available to stream contract‑free on NOW, and Sky Sports provides live coverage, highlights, and in‑depth analysis across its platforms. The competition has delivered a blend of emerging talent, seasoned internationals, and dramatic finishes, keeping supporters engaged throughout the season.