Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in the women's edition of The Hundred, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon as they edged out MI London thanks to a composed half-century from Ellyse Perry. The match, which took place at the home ground of the Phoenix, saw both sides enter the fixture with just a single victory each, making the stakes unusually high for a game that otherwise might have seemed like a mid‑table encounter. The contest began with MI London winning the toss and opting to chase a modest target set by the hosts.
Birmingham posted 121 runs for the loss of six wickets, a total that appeared safe on paper but required a disciplined chase from the visitors. Early on, the London side stumbled, losing two wickets in the powerplay as Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin fell cheaply. England’s promising all‑rounders Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also failed to make an impact, dismissed for low scores while Kirstie Gordon’s left‑arm spin proved effective, returning figures of two wickets for 20 runs.
In response, Phoenix’s innings got off to a steady start, but it was the partnership between Ellyse Perry and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana that turned the tide. Perry, the Australian star, hammered 62 runs off just 39 balls, displaying a blend of power and precision that left the opposition scrambling for answers.
Sana contributed a valuable 36 from 32 deliveries, and together they built a 66‑run stand for the fifth wicket, pulling Birmingham out of a precarious position and setting the tone for the remainder of the innings. Their collaboration not only halted a three‑match losing streak for the Phoenix but also secured a consolation win that lifted them to seventh place on the league table.
When the innings shifted to the chase, MI London found themselves in a familiar predicament. After a promising early breakthrough—Lauren Filer’s LBW of Kira Chathli—their momentum was quickly halted. Hayley Matthews attempted to revive the innings with a brisk 21 off 14 balls, striking four boundaries, but her resurgence was short‑lived.
A spectacular catch by Davina Perrin off a delivery from Fatima Sana dismissed Matthews, and Melie Kerr fell on the very next ball, caught by Perry at mid‑off. The London side slumped to 47 for 4, prompting a rebuilding effort from Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry.
The pair added a steady 56 runs for the fifth wicket, with Henry scoring a quick‑fire 42 off 33 balls before being caught by Perry off the bowling of Alana King. Despite this resistance, the required run rate continued to climb, and the pressure mounted on the London batters.
In the final overs, Armitage, who had been a reliable scorer with 31 off 31 balls, and Nicola Carey attempted to accelerate the scoring by dispatching Alana King for boundaries. However, the target of 122 loomed large, and the Phoenix’s bowlers kept a tight leash on the run flow. Eva Gray claimed the wicket of Armitage with a well‑timed off‑cut, finishing with figures of two for 29.
As the innings drew to a close, MI London managed only 120 for 6, falling just short of the target with six balls remaining. The defeat marked another disappointing chapter in a campaign that has largely failed to meet expectations. After the match, Perry reflected on the significance of the win: "It feels great to finish on a high note, especially at home with such a wonderful atmosphere. We bowled really well and gave everything we could throughout the tournament.
Although the results haven’t always gone our way, ending the season with a victory is incredibly satisfying." Elsewhere in the competition, Welsh Fire wrapped up their final group game with a 15‑run triumph over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens. Neither side could advance to the knockout stages, so the match was more about pride than progression.
Welsh Fire built momentum through a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting a total of 138 for 7. Grace Harris was instrumental with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs. London Spirit’s chase quickly unraveled, losing early wickets to Harris, Marie Kelly (a golden‑duck), and Grace Potts, who also dismissed opener Amy Jones. Despite a fighting 27 from captain Charlie Dean, London Spirit could not recover, eventually being bowled out for 123 in 99 balls.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each contributed two wickets, sealing the victory for Welsh Fire. The women's Hundred tables now stand with Birmingham Phoenix in seventh place, having escaped the wooden spoon, while MI London remains near the bottom of the standings after their sixth loss. Fans can continue to follow the tournament through live broadcasts on Sky Sports, stream matches contract‑free on NOW, and stay updated with the latest videos and key moments from the competition.
The season will culminate with the finals on Sunday, August 16, offering a final showcase of the tournament’s most exciting talent and dramatic finishes.