Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in The Hundred women's competition, ensuring they avoided the dreaded wooden spoon as they out‑performed MI London by a narrow margin. The turning point of the match was a composed half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry, who anchored the chase and forced MI London into their sixth defeat of an otherwise difficult season. Both sides entered the game with only one win each from the earlier fixtures, making the contest a true battle for survival.
Phoenix, rattled by a three‑match losing streak, needed a strong response, and they found it in a decisive fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs between Perry, who struck 62 runs off just 39 balls, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who contributed 36 off 32 deliveries. Their stand steadied the innings after early setbacks and propelled Phoenix to a respectable total that ultimately secured seventh place on the league table. The match began with MI London electing to chase after winning the toss. They set a modest target of 122 runs for the home side.
However, the hosts stumbled early, losing two wickets in the powerplay – Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin – which left them at 48 for 4. England all‑rounders Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an immediate impact with figures of 2 for 20, keeping the run rate in check. At this precarious juncture, Perry found a reliable partner in Fatima Sana. Their collaboration steadied the innings, with Sana eventually being dismissed by Nicola Carey when just seven runs were required.
Perry, displaying her trademark poise, guided the team home with six balls remaining, sealing the win for Phoenix. The match commentary highlighted several key moments. After choosing to bat, MI London opened strongly when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw.
Hayley Matthews then provided a brief surge, scoring 21 off 14 balls and hitting four boundaries, but her momentum was short‑lived. She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling, and Melie Kerr fell first ball to Phoebe Brett, who bowled a delivery that spun away to Perry at mid‑off.
MI London’s middle order also faced trouble. Alice Monaghan was clean bowled by an incisive off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving the side at 47 for 4. The lower order, represented by Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry, attempted a rebuild, adding 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, Phoenix’s bowlers continued to apply pressure. Armitage, after scoring a quickfire 31 off 31 balls, was dismissed by Gray (2‑29) on the final ball of the innings, leaving MI London with a total of 120 for 6 – a score that appeared well below par given the target. The visitors tried to accelerate, but the deficit proved too large, and they ultimately concluded their campaign with an underwhelming performance.
Reflecting on the victory, Perry said, "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 match with a 15‑run win over London Spirit at Sophia Gardens. Neither side could progress beyond the group stage, so the stakes were relatively low, but the match still produced exciting cricket.
Welsh Fire built momentum thanks to a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138 for 7. Grace Harris contributed three wickets for just 15 runs, helping to dismantle London Spirit’s chase.
London Spirit faltered early, slipping to 2 for 2 within the first seven balls as Harris and Marie Kelly fell in consecutive deliveries to Grace Potts, who also dismissed opener Amy Jones. Captain Charlie Dean (27) attempted to rally her side, but Welsh Fire kept the pressure on with regular breakthroughs. London Spirit were eventually bowled out for 123 off 99 balls, with Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each taking two wickets.
Fans can continue to follow the remainder of The Hundred, including the finals scheduled for Sunday, August 16, via NOW’s contract‑free streaming service. The tournament’s men’s and women’s tables are updated regularly, and highlights, key moments, and in‑depth analysis are available through Sky Sports’ platforms, including WhatsApp updates for the latest news and video content.
Overall, Phoenix’s win not only lifted them out of the wooden‑spoon zone but also demonstrated the impact of experienced players like Perry and Sana in high‑pressure situations. Their ability to rebuild an innings after early wickets fell exemplifies the resilience required in The Hundred’s fast‑paced format, and it sets a positive tone for Phoenix as they look ahead to future competitions.