The evening spotlight on August 24 turns to an exciting showdown in The Women’s Hundred 2025 as Manchester Originals face off against Birmingham Phoenix. History suggests there’s little to separate these two sides, with past encounters often decided in the closing stages.
The Originals, currently sitting third on the points table, will be eager to consolidate their strong position, while the Phoenix look to bounce back and bring their campaign back on track. With proven match-winners lining up on both teams, this clash promises a gripping contest full of determination, high-quality cricket, and the kind of drama that makes this rivalry special.
Squads:
Manchester Originals Women’s Cricket Team
Beth Mooney (C), Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr, Deandra Dottin, Seren Smale, Lauren Filer, Evelyn Jones, Mahika Gaur, Fi Morris, Kathryn Bryce, Amuruthaa Surenkumar, Danielle Gregory, Alice Monaghan, Esmae MacGregor, Darcey Carter
Birmingham Phoenix Women’s Cricket Team
Ellyse Perry (C), Georgia Voll, Emma Lamb, Amy Jones, Megan Schutt, Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Georgie Boyce, Sterre Kalis, Marie Kelly, Bethan Ellis, Ailsa Lister, Mary Taylor, Millie Taylor, Phoebe Brett
Players to watch out:
Kathryn Bryce
One of Manchester’s most reliable all-rounders, Kathryn Bryce has been a consistent match-winner with both bat and ball. Her memorable knock of an unbeaten 61* against Trent Rockets underlined her ability to guide chases under pressure and control the game with maturity. Since joining the Originals in 2023, Bryce has amassed 297 runs, with that 61* being her highest score to date. Equally dangerous with the ball, she has scalped 20 wickets, including a brilliant career-best spell of 5/13. With her dual impact, Bryce provides Manchester with balance and depth in all departments
Lauren Filer
The pace and accuracy of Lauren Filer have made her a standout performer for Manchester Originals. In the recent contest against Trent Rockets, she was the pick of the bowlers, claiming an impressive 3/23, troubling batters with her bounce and pace off the surface. Since joining Manchester in 2024, Filer has already built a reputation as a genuine wicket-taker, collecting 13 wickets in her stint so far, with her best figures being 3/8. Her ability to strike early and put opposition top orders under pressure makes her a crucial weapon in the Originals’ bowling attack.
Ellyse Perry
Leading from the front, Ellyse Perry brings her wealth of experience and composure to the Phoenix side. Against Welsh Fire, she anchored the innings with a well-paced 55, keeping her team in the contest with her trademark calmness at the crease. Since the 2022 season, Perry has been a key contributor, piling up 476 runs, including the highest of 66, while also contributing with the ball by picking up 10 wickets, with best figures of 3/21. As captain, her presence adds both stability and inspiration, and her all-round skills make her the heartbeat of the Phoenix setup.
Megan Schutt
The ever-reliable Australian quick, Megan Schutt, continues to be a cornerstone of Birmingham Phoenix’s bowling line-up. Even in her side’s defeat against Welsh Fire, Schutt showcased her quality with an economical and threatening spell of 2/11, reminding everyone of her class. With 7 wickets already for Phoenix, her ability to swing the ball upfront and choke runs at the death makes her a go-to bowler in crunch moments. Schutt remains one of the most experienced and dependable players in the Phoenix camp.
Pitch:
The surface at Old Trafford is renowned for offering a fair battle between bat and ball. With its consistent bounce and assistance for seamers early on, pacers often find opportunities to strike with the new ball. As the game progresses, spinners begin to play a key role during the middle overs. Under lights, stroke-making tends to become smoother, which makes batting first a tactical option to set up a strong total and pile on scoreboard pressure.
Weather:
Conditions in Manchester look favorable for cricket with temperatures around 23°C, comfortable humidity at 55%, and only a 10% chance of rain. With clear skies expected through most of the day, anticipate an uninterrupted contest in ideal playing weather.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Beth Mooney, Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr, Deandra Dottin, Kathryn Bryce, Lauren Filer, Ellyse Perry, Amy Jones, Megan Schutt, Georgia Voll, Emily Arlott
Match Details:
Date – August 24, 2025
Time – 7:30 PM IST
Venue – Old Trafford, Manchester
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on FanCode and telecasted on Sony Sports Network.
Loves all things female cricket