Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in The Hundred women's competition, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon after a hard‑fought encounter with MI London. The match was highlighted by a composed half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry, who guided her side to a narrow triumph and handed MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging season. Both sides entered the game with only one win to their name, making the stakes unusually high for a mid‑table showdown.
Phoenix, eager to halt a three‑match losing streak, managed to pull off a consolation victory that lifted them to seventh place on the points table. The turning point came when Perry, who struck 62 runs off just 39 balls, forged a vital fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 off 32 deliveries. Their stand steadied the innings after early wickets and set the foundation for the chase. MI London had set a modest target of 122 runs.
Their innings began shakily, stumbling to 48 for 4 in the powerplay after early dismissals of Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin. England’s promising batters Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an early impact with figures of 2 for 20, keeping the run rate in check. When Perry arrived at the crease, she found a reliable partner in Sana.
The duo built momentum, rotating the strike and finding boundaries at regular intervals. Sana’s wicket finally fell to Nicola Carey when the required runs dwindled to just seven, leaving Phoenix with a clear path to victory.
Perry, displaying her trademark poise, sealed the win with six balls to spare, guiding the hosts to a final score of 120 for 6. The match was broadcast by Sky Sports, and fans were encouraged to follow the network’s WhatsApp channel for the latest updates, video highlights, and in‑depth analysis. Viewers were also advised to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience.
After winning the toss, MI London elected to chase. Their opening breakthrough came when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli LBW, but Hayley Matthews quickly injected momentum, scoring 21 runs off just 14 balls and striking four fours.
Matthews’ resurgence was short‑lived, however, as she was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling. Melie Kerr was then dismissed on the very first ball she faced, caught by Perry at mid‑off. The middle order of MI London struggled against disciplined bowling.
Alice Monaghan fell to an incisive off‑cutter from Eva Gray, leaving the side at 47 for 4. In response, Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry steadied the ship, putting together a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off Alana King’s delivery.
As the innings progressed, the visitors attempted to accelerate, with Armitage (31 off 31) and Carey dispatching King for boundaries. Despite these efforts, the total of 120 for 6 was well below the par score for a home chase.
Armitage’s wicket fell to Gray (2 for 29) on the final ball of the innings, sealing MI London’s fate and leaving them to reflect on an underwhelming campaign. After the match, Perry reflected on the victory: "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 wrapped up their final group game with a 15‑run win over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. Neither side could progress beyond the group stage, so the match carried little impact on the standings, but it provided an entertaining finish to the tournament. Welsh Fire built momentum thanks to a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, propelling the team to a total of 138 for 7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, helping to dismantle London Spirit’s batting line‑up.
Early in the chase, London Spirit found themselves in trouble at 2 for 2 after just seven balls, with Harris and Marie Kelly (a golden‑duck) dismissed in consecutive deliveries by Grace Potts, who also claimed opener Amy Jones (10). London Spirit’s captain Charlie Dean (27) attempted to rally her side, but the Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, ensuring London Spirit were bowled out for 123 off 99 balls.
Fans can watch every match of The Hundred, including the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16, through the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free access to live games and highlights. Overall, the Phoenix’s hard‑earned win not only saved them from the wooden spoon but also demonstrated the impact of experienced internationals like Perry in guiding younger talent through pressure situations. Their victory, combined with Welsh Fire’s solid finish, provided a fitting close to a tournament that showcased both emerging stars and seasoned campaigners across the women's game.