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 with a hard‑earned triumph. The match turned into a showcase for Australian star Ellyse Perry, whose calm and measured half‑century not only steered Phoenix to victory but also handed MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging campaign.
Both sides entered the contest with just a single win to their name, making the stakes unusually high for a mid‑table clash. Phoenix, eager to snap a three‑game losing streak, found their footing when Perry, playing a blistering 62 runs off just 39 balls, forged a vital fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs alongside Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 runs from 32 deliveries. Their stand proved the difference, allowing Phoenix to post a modest target of 122 and ultimately finish seventh on the league table.
The hosts, MI London, elected to chase after winning the toss. Their innings began shakily, stumbling to 48 for 4 in the powerplay after early wickets fell to Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin.
England’s young talents 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. Perry’s partnership with Sana steadied the ship. Sana, who later fell to Nicola Carey when only seven runs were required, provided the necessary support to keep the chase alive.
Perry, displaying her trademark composure, guided Phoenix to the finish line with six balls remaining, sealing a consolation win that lifted the team’s morale. The match was broadcast on Sky Sports, and fans were encouraged to follow the network’s WhatsApp channel for up‑to‑date news, video highlights, analysis, and more.
Viewers were also advised to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback. After winning the toss, MI London made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews, looking to rediscover her form, added some spark with a quick 21 off 14 balls, hitting four boundaries.
However, her momentum 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 after a mistimed shot. Alice Monaghan was next to go, undone by a precise off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving MI London at 47 for 4.
The lower order, led by Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry, attempted a rebuild, putting together a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, eventually fell to Perry, who bowled a tight delivery off Alana King. As the innings progressed, the visitors tried to accelerate, with Armitage (31 off 31) and Carey dispatching King for boundaries. Nevertheless, their total of 120 for 6 remained well below the par score.
Armitage was eventually dismissed by Gray, who claimed 2 for 29, on the final ball of the innings. MI London were left to reflect on an underwhelming season as they fell short of the target.
Perry reflected on the win, saying, "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 victory over London Spirit in their final group match at Sophia Gardens.
With neither side able to progress to the knockout stages, the game carried little pressure, but the Fire built momentum through a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138 for 7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, while London Spirit struggled early, slipping to 2 for 2 after just seven balls due to Harris and Marie Kelly’s quick dismissals. Grace Potts then removed opener Amy Jones, further compounding London’s woes.
Captain Charlie Dean (27) attempted to rally her side, but the Fire continued to apply pressure, eventually bowling London Spirit out for 123 off 99 balls. Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each claimed two wickets, rounding off a comprehensive win for Welsh Fire. Fans can watch every match of The Hundred up to the finals on Sunday, August 16, with streaming available contract‑free on NOW. The tournament continues to deliver thrilling cricket, dramatic finishes, and memorable performances from both established stars and emerging talents, ensuring excitement for supporters across the United Kingdom.