Birmingham Phoenix finally broke their 12-match losing streak in The Hundred with a thrilling three-run victory over Trent Rockets at Trent Bridge. Australian star Ellyse Perry played a pivotal role for Phoenix, shining with both bat and ball.
Phoenix opted to bat first and got off to a steady start with Sophie Devine and Sterre Kalis forming a 32-run opening partnership. However, Alana King provided the breakthrough for Rockets, dismissing Devine for 17. Perry then joined Kalis at the crease and accelerated the scoring rate.
Perry played a blistering knock of 66 from just 34 balls, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. Her partnership with Kalis yielded 102 runs from 60 balls, setting a competitive target of 139 for Rockets.
In the chase, Rockets lost early wickets, with Perry dismissing Scrivens and taking a brilliant catch to remove Bryony Smith. Nat Sciver-Brunt looked in fine form, reaching her sixth half-century in The Hundred. However, the dismissals of Ash Gardner and Sciver-Brunt brought Phoenix back into the game.
Rockets needed 27 runs from the last 10 balls, and Heather Graham gave them hope with a flurry of boundaries. However, Phoenix held their nerve, with Graham falling short by two runs on the final ball.
Perry, who was named Meerkat Match Hero, expressed her delight at the victory. “We played with a lot of spirit today and it’s nice to get over the line in a tight one,” she said. “The total felt defendable, but they chased well. To hold our nerve at the end was awesome.”
