Birmingham Phoenix pulled off a thrilling nine-run victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred women's competition at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, dashing Fire's hopes of securing an early playoff spot.
Welsh Fire seemed poised to clinch the win, needing just 16 runs from the last 10 balls with Hayley Matthews still at the crease. However, Katie Levick’s two quick wickets in consecutive deliveries turned the game in Phoenix's favour, leading to a dramatic collapse and sealing the win for Phoenix.
Georgia Elwiss was dismissed for 10, and Matthews was caught for 35, triggering a disastrous spell for Fire where they lost four wickets for just four runs, including two more by Emily Arlott.
Earlier, Phoenix set a target of 121-7, thanks to a vital 55 from Sterre Kalis. Matthews led a disciplined bowling effort for Fire with figures of 3-32, supported by Freya Davies who took 2-17.
Fire’s chase was a rollercoaster, with Sophia Dunkley and Matthews leading the recovery after Tammy Beaumont was dismissed early for 12. However, Ellyse Perry’s double strike, dismissing Dunkley for 18 and Sarah Bryce for a golden duck, halted Fire’s momentum.
Matthews and Jess Jonassen, who contributed 28 runs, appeared to be steering Fire towards victory and playoff qualification before Phoenix’s bowlers mounted a strong comeback, aided by sharp fielding.
A win in Cardiff would have secured a top-three finish for Welsh Fire, but the victory for Birmingham Phoenix kept their slim playoff chances alive. To qualify, Phoenix must win their remaining two matches decisively to boost their net run rate and hope other results work in their favour.
Additional highlights from the match include Sterre Kalis overcoming a slow start, where she scored just one run from her first 10 balls, to finish with a crucial 55 off 44 deliveries. Her innings helped Phoenix recover from a sluggish start, having reached only 17-0 after the 25-ball powerplay.
Phoenix’s Richa Ghosh survived three lbw appeals against spinner Matthews before finally being stumped for 12. Phoenix now awaits news on the fitness of New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine, who left the field with an injury after bowling just five balls.
Despite the loss, Welsh Fire remain in a strong position to qualify for the playoffs. A win in their final game against Southern Brave on August 14 will keep their hopes of finishing at the top of the table—and earning a direct spot in the final—alive.