In a crucial showdown in the women’s segment of The Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix managed to sidestep the dreaded wooden spoon thanks to a composed half‑century from Ellyse Perry, which ultimately forced MI London into their sixth defeat of a difficult campaign. Both sides entered the match with just one win each, but a pivotal fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who struck 62 runs off 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 off 32, enabled Phoenix to break a three‑match losing streak, claim a consolation victory, and finish seventh on the league table. The hosts set a modest target of 122 runs. Their innings stumbled early, slipping to 48 for 4 after the powerplay when Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin were dismissed.
England’s rising talents Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an immediate impact with figures of 2‑20, keeping the pressure on the batting side. Perry, however, found a reliable partner in Sana.
The duo steadied the chase, and even when Sana was eventually run out by Nicola Carey with just seven runs still needed, Perry guided the Phoenix to victory with six balls remaining. The win not only halted a three‑game slump but also provided a morale boost as the team concluded the tournament on a positive note.
The match was broadcast on Sky Sports, and fans were encouraged to follow the network’s WhatsApp channel for the latest sports news, videos, analysis, and more. Viewers were also advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. After winning the toss, the hosts elected to chase.
They made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer bowled Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews, seeking to rediscover form, added momentum with a quick 21 off 14 balls, hitting four boundaries. Yet her resurgence was short‑lived; she was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling.
Melie Kerr was dismissed on the very first ball she faced, caught by Perry at mid‑off. Alice Monaghan fell to a sharp off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving MI London at 47 for 4. Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry then attempted a rebuild, putting together a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry, scoring 42 off 33 balls, was eventually bowled by Perry off Alana King’s delivery.
The latest men’s and women’s Hundred tables were referenced, and viewers were reminded they could stream The Hundred and other content on NOW. Additional video highlights and key moments from the tournament were also highlighted.
Armitage, who made 31 off 31 balls, and Carey added quick boundaries off King, trying to accelerate the scoring. However, their total of 120‑6 was well below the par score. Armitage was eventually dismissed by Eva Gray, who took 2‑29, on the final ball of the innings. MI London were left to reflect on an underwhelming season.
After the match, Perry expressed her satisfaction: "It’s nice to finish on a high. I thought we bowled especially well.
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 with such a great atmosphere was wonderful." In a separate fixture, Welsh Fire secured a 15‑run win over London Spirit in the final women’s Hundred match at Sophia Gardens.
With neither side able to advance from the group stage, the stakes were low, but the Fire built momentum through a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138‑7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, while London Spirit faltered early, losing two wickets in the first seven balls—Harris and Marie Kelly (a golden duck) fell to Grace Potts, who also dismissed opener Amy Jones for 10. Captain Charlie Dean attempted a recovery with a 27‑run knock, but the Fire continued to take regular wickets, eventually bowling London Spirit out for 123 off 99 balls.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, underscoring the Fire’s dominant bowling display. Fans were reminded that every match of The Hundred, culminating in the finals on Sunday, August 16, could be streamed contract‑free on NOW, offering a comprehensive way to follow the tournament’s dramatic conclusions.