In a decisive encounter that determined who would avoid the dreaded wooden spoon in the women's segment of The Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix emerged victorious over MI London, thanks to a composed half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry. The win halted Phoenix's three‑match losing streak and lifted them to seventh place on the league table, while MI London suffered their sixth defeat of a campaign that has been largely disappointing. Both sides entered the match with only one win each from their previous fixtures, making the contest a crucial one for survival. After winning the toss, Phoenix elected to chase a modest target of 122 set by the home side.
The innings began poorly for the hosts, who slumped to 48 for 4 in the powerplay after early wickets fell to the incisive left‑arm spin of England's Kirstie Gordon, who claimed figures of 2‑20. Early dismissals of Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin, followed by cheap wickets of Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb, left MI London scrambling for stability.
Phoenix's response was anchored by Perry, who arrived at the crease with a quick 39‑run knock already in hand. Partnering her was Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a brisk 36 off 32 balls.
The pair forged a vital fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs, steering Phoenix away from the brink and ultimately securing the win with six balls remaining. Sana was eventually run out by Nicola Carey when only seven runs were needed, but Perry saw the chase through, finishing on 62 not out from 39 deliveries. The chase itself featured several notable moments. After the initial breakthrough by Lauren Filer, who dismissed Kira Chathli lbw, MI London attempted to accelerate with a quickfire 21 off 14 balls from Hayley Matthews.
However, Matthews' momentum was halted when she was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana's bowling. Melie Kerr fell on the very next ball, caught by Perry at mid‑off, further tightening the pressure on the home side. MI London’s middle order struggled to rebuild, with Alice Monaghan falling to a sharp off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving the visitors at 47 for 4.
In response, Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry steadied the ship, adding a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket. Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually caught by Perry off the spin of Alana King. The innings continued to wobble as Armitage, who made 31 off 31 balls, was dismissed by Gray in the final over, leaving MI London all out for 120‑6, well short of the target.
After the match, Perry reflected on the team's performance: "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." The result also meant that Welsh Fire secured a 15‑run victory over London Spirit in the final women's match of the tournament at Sophia Gardens. With both teams already eliminated from contention, the game was more about pride than progression. Fire's captain Georgia Wareham played a pivotal role, scoring a half‑century that propelled the side to 138‑7.
Grace Harris complemented the effort with three wickets for just 15 runs, helping to dismantle London Spirit's batting line‑up. London Spirit's innings unraveled quickly, losing two wickets for just two runs within the first seven balls. Harris and Marie Kelly fell in successive deliveries to Grace Potts, who then also removed opener Amy Jones. Although captain Charlie Dean attempted to rally the side with a resilient 27, the Fire continued to apply pressure, ultimately bowling London Spirit out for 123 off 99 balls.
Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each contributed two wickets, underscoring the depth of Fire's bowling attack. These matches marked the conclusion of an eventful season for The Hundred, with both men's and women's tables now finalised. Fans can revisit key moments and highlights through the league's official streaming partner NOW, which offers contract‑free access to every match up to the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16.
The tournament has provided a platform for emerging talent and seasoned internationals alike, showcasing fast‑paced, innovative cricket that continues to attract a growing audience across the United Kingdom. Overall, Birmingham Phoenix's gritty chase, anchored by Perry's masterful innings, not only secured a much‑needed win but also ensured they avoided the ignominy of finishing at the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, MI London's continued struggles highlight the challenges faced by newer franchises in adapting to the unique format of The Hundred, setting the stage for a potentially revitalised approach in the next season.