Birmingham Phoenix clinched a crucial win in the women’s Hundred, ensuring they escaped the dreaded wooden spoon after a hard‑fought battle against MI London. The match was highlighted by a composed half‑century from Australian star Ellyse Perry, who guided her side to a narrow triumph and handed MI London their sixth defeat of a challenging campaign. Both teams entered the encounter with only one win each from the earlier fixtures, making the contest a de‑facto battle for survival.
Phoenix, eager to halt a three‑match losing streak, managed to turn the tide thanks to a decisive fifth‑wicket partnership of 66 runs. The stand was built by Perry, who scored an unbeaten 62 off just 39 deliveries, and Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana, who contributed a quick‑fire 36 from 32 balls.
Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also propelled Phoenix to a respectable total and ultimately a consolation win that lifted them to seventh place on the league table. The hosts set a modest target of 122 runs.
Their innings stumbled early, slipping to 48 for 4 after the powerplay when Jemima Spence and Davina Perrin were dismissed. England’s promising batters Alice Capsey and Emma Lamb also fell cheaply, while left‑arm spinner Kirstie Gordon made an immediate impact with figures of 2 for 20, applying pressure with tight, probing deliveries. Perry, however, found a reliable ally in Fatima Sana. The duo built a steady rhythm, rotating the strike and finding the boundary when needed.
Sana’s innings was eventually curtailed by Nicola Carey when just seven runs were required, but Perry’s experience shone through as she guided Phoenix home with six balls to spare, sealing the win and ending the match on a high note for the home side. In a separate note, Sky Sports encouraged fans to follow their WhatsApp channel for up‑to‑date sports news, videos, and analysis, and reminded viewers to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback.
When MI London won the toss, they elected to chase and made an early breakthrough when Lauren Filer dismissed Kira Chathli lbw. Hayley Matthews attempted to revive the innings, scoring 21 off 14 balls and striking four boundaries, but her momentum was short‑lived.
She was caught spectacularly by Perrin off Sana’s bowling, and Melie Kerr fell on the very first ball she faced, caught by Perry at mid‑off. Alice Monaghan was then taken out by a sharp off‑cut from Eva Gray, leaving MI London at a precarious 47 for 4. Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry steadied the ship, putting together a 56‑run partnership for the fifth wicket.
Henry, who scored a brisk 42 off 33 balls, was eventually dismissed by Perry off the bowling of Alana King. The latest tables for both the men’s and women’s Hundred were referenced, and viewers were reminded they could stream The Hundred and other content on NOW. As the innings progressed, Armitage (31 off 31) and Carey added quick boundaries, attempting to accelerate the scoring rate. However, their total of 120 for 6 was well below the target.
Armitage was bowled by Eva Gray (2 for 29) on the final ball of the innings, and MI London were left to reflect on a disappointing campaign. After the match, Perry reflected on the victory: "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 report also mentioned Welsh Fire’s 15‑run win over London Spirit in their final women’s Hundred match at Sophia Gardens.
Neither side could progress from the group stage, so the game carried little at stake, but the Fire built momentum thanks to a half‑century from captain Georgia Wareham, posting 138 for 7. Grace Harris claimed three wickets for just 15 runs, while London Spirit faltered early, slipping to 2 for 2 within the first seven balls after Harris and Marie Kelly (out for a golden duck) fell in consecutive deliveries to Grace Potts, who also dismissed opener Amy Jones (10).
Captain Charlie Dean (27) tried to spark a recovery, but the Fire continued to pick wickets regularly, eventually bowling London Spirit out for 123 off 99 balls. Orla Prendergast, Heather Graham, and Sophia Smale each took two wickets, contributing to the comprehensive victory.
Fans were encouraged to watch every match of The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday, August 16, with the option to stream contract‑free on NOW. The coverage promised more highlights, key moments, and in‑depth analysis for cricket enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.