Ellyse Perry's half-century was the highlight of Birmingham Phoenix's victory over MI London in The Hundred women's competition, ensuring they avoided the wooden spoon. Perry's composed 62no from 39 deliveries, coupled with a 66-run stand with Fatima Sana, secured a consolation win and a seventh-place finish in the table for Phoenix. This triumph halted their three-match losing streak and set a modest target of 122 for MI London, who were wobbling at 48-4 after early dismissals. Perry's partnership with Sana, who fell just seven runs short, sealed the win with six balls to spare.
The hosts' decision to chase after winning the toss proved pivotal, with early breakthroughs from Lauren Filer and Kirstie Gordon. However, Hayley Matthews' resurgence was short-lived, falling to a spectacular catch by Davina Perrin. Melie Kerr's dismissal to Phoebe Brett further weakened MI London's position, with Alice Monaghan's clean-up by Eva Gray contributing to their 47-4 slump. Hollie Armitage and Chinelle Henry's 56-run stand provided some respite, but Henry's dismissal to Alana King sealed their fate.
Despite Armitage and Nicola Carey's efforts to up the ante, their total of 120-6 fell short of expectations. Perry's post-match comments highlighted the team's unwavering effort throughout the tournament, despite mixed results. The match also saw Welsh Fire secure a 15-run win over London Spirit, with captain Georgia Wareham's half-century and Grace Harris' three wickets contributing to their final victory in the women's Hundred.
These outcomes underscore the competitive nature of The Hundred, where teams strive to avoid the wooden spoon and secure their position in the standings. Perry's performance and Phoenix's triumph serve as a testament to the tournament's excitement and the players' dedication, leaving fans eagerly anticipating future matches and the ultimate winner.
