Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in the women’s edition of The Hundred, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon after a tightly contested match against MI London. The turning point came when Australian star Ellyse Perry crafted a composed half‑century, steering Phoenix to a narrow triumph and handing MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging campaign. Both sides entered the encounter with just one win each, making the game a potential decider for their final standings.
Phoenix, eager to break a three‑match losing streak, managed a vital fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who scored an unbeaten 62 off 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 from 32 deliveries. Their stand not only steadied the chase but also propelled Phoenix to a consolation victory that lifted them to seventh place on the table.
The match began with MI London opting to set a target after winning the toss. They posted a modest total of 122, but the innings was shaky from the outset. Early wickets fell as Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin were dismissed in the powerplay, leaving the hosts at a precarious 48 for 4.
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 the innings resumed, Perry and Sana forged a partnership that steadied the chase. Sana, playing a supportive role, was eventually run out by Nicola Carey with just seven runs needed, leaving Perry to finish the job.
She sealed the win with six balls remaining, showcasing her calm under pressure and reinforcing her reputation as one of the game’s most reliable finishers. The match narrative featured several notable moments beyond the headline partnership.
After winning the toss, MI London’s opening bowler Lauren Filer claimed an early lbw against Kira Chathli, giving the visitors a brief opening surge. Hayley Matthews, looking to regain form, responded with a quick 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.
Mid‑innings, MI London found themselves reeling at 47 for 4, thanks to a precise off‑cutter from Eva Gray that dismissed Alice Monaghan. The lower order, represented by Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry, attempted a recovery, stitching together a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry’s aggressive 42 off 33 balls was cut short when Perry, bowling with Alana King, claimed her wicket. As the chase progressed, Phoenix’s bowlers kept the pressure on.
Armitage, who scored a quickfire 31 off 31 balls, and Nicola Carey both dispatched King for boundaries, trying to accelerate the run‑rate. Nevertheless, MI London’s total of 120 for 6 remained below par.
Armitage’s dismissal by Gray, who finished with 2 for 29, marked the final wicket of the innings, leaving MI London to reflect on an underwhelming season. After the match, Perry reflected on the victory: "It feels great to finish on a high note. I think we bowled particularly well today.
I can’t fault the effort we put in throughout the tournament; we gave it everything we had, even if the results didn’t always go our way. Finishing at home, with the usual fantastic atmosphere, was wonderful." In other women's Hundred action, Welsh Fire wrapped up their campaign with a 15‑run win over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens.
With both teams already out of contention, the match was more about pride than progression. Fire’s captain Georgia Wareham anchored the innings with a half‑century, guiding the side to a total of 138 for 7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, helping to dismantle London Spirit’s chase.
Early setbacks saw London Spirit tumble to 2 for 2 within the first seven balls, as Harris and Marie Kelly fell in quick succession to Grace Potts, who also removed opener Amy Jones. London Spirit attempted a comeback led by captain Charlie Dean’s 27, but Fire’s bowlers kept the pressure relentless.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, ensuring London Spirit were bowled out for 123 in 99 balls. Fans can continue to follow the remaining Hundred fixtures, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16. All matches, including the climactic showdown, are available to stream contract‑free on NOW, and highlights, analysis, and key moments can be accessed via Sky Sports’ platforms. The tournament has provided a blend of emerging talent and seasoned stars, delivering memorable performances across both the men's and women's competitions.