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 a steady half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry, which ultimately sealed MI London’s sixth defeat in a campaign that has been more challenging than they anticipated.
Both sides entered the encounter with just a single win to their name, making the stakes unusually high for a game that otherwise might have seemed routine. Phoenix, desperate to halt a three‑match losing streak, found the momentum they needed through a partnership of 66 runs for the fifth wicket. Perry, who struck 62 runs off 39 balls, combined with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a brisk 36 off 32 deliveries. Their alliance not only steadied the innings but also propelled Phoenix to a respectable total that set the tone for the remainder of the contest.
Setting a modest target of 122 runs, MI London began their chase with optimism, but early wickets quickly disrupted their rhythm. The opening partnership crumbled at 48 for 4, with Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin falling during the powerplay. England internationals Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an immediate impact, returning figures of 2 for 20 and applying pressure with her economical spell. Undeterred, Perry found a reliable partner in Fatima Sana.
The duo built a partnership that steadied the chase, but Sana eventually fell to a well‑timed delivery from Nicola Carey when only seven runs were required. Perry, demonstrating her trademark poise, guided the team to the finish line with six balls remaining, securing a valuable consolation win that lifted Phoenix to seventh place on the league table. The match also featured several notable moments beyond the primary partnership.
After winning the toss, the hosts elected to chase and made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews attempted to revive the innings with a quickfire 21 off 14 balls, hitting four boundaries, but her resurgence was short‑lived.
She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana's bowling, and Melie Kerr was dismissed on the very first ball she faced, caught by Perry at mid‑off. MI London continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Alice Monaghan fell to an immaculate off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving the side at 47 for 4.
In response, Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry began a rebuilding effort, adding a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry, who scored 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off the bowling of Alana King.
As the innings progressed, Armitage (31 off 31) and Carey attempted to accelerate the scoring rate, dispatching King for boundaries. However, the total of 120 for 6 remained well below the required 122, especially after Armitage was bowled by Gray (2‑29) on the final ball of the innings. MI London ultimately fell short, concluding an underwhelming campaign that will likely prompt reflection and strategic adjustments ahead of the next season.
Perry reflected on the victory, stating, "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." In other women's Hundred action, Welsh Fire secured a 15‑run triumph over London Spirit in their final group match at Sophia Gardens. With neither team able to advance beyond the group stage, the encounter held limited competitive significance, yet it provided an entertaining finale for fans in Cardiff. Welsh Fire built momentum through a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, guiding the side to a total of 138 for 7.
Grace Harris delivered an impressive spell, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs. London Spirit's chase quickly unraveled, slipping to 2 for 2 after just seven balls.
Harris and Marie Kelly (who was dismissed for a golden duck) fell in consecutive deliveries to Grace Potts, who also removed opener Amy Jones (10). Despite a fighting effort from captain Charlie Dean, who scored 27, the Fire continued to apply pressure, eventually dismissing London Spirit for 123 off 99 balls.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each contributed two wickets, underscoring the depth of the Fire's bowling attack. Fans can continue to follow the excitement of The Hundred as the competition moves toward its climax, with all remaining matches, including the finals on Sunday, August 16, available to stream contract‑free on NOW. The tournament has delivered a blend of thrilling finishes, emerging talents, and compelling narratives that promise to shape the future of women's cricket in the UK.