In The Women’s Hundred 2025, Birmingham Phoenix Women registered an emphatic 16-run victory over Manchester Originals Women in a contest that ebbed and flowed before experience and composure tilted the game in Phoenix’s favour.
Choosing to bat, Phoenix had a rocky start as Georgia Voll fell without scoring and Emma Lamb followed soon after, leaving them in early trouble at 15/2. But skipper Ellyse Perry once again showcased her class. Mixing caution with calculated aggression, Perry compiled a brilliant 55* from 48 balls, striking crisp boundaries whenever the pressure mounted. At the other end, Sterre Kalis provided the perfect foil, playing confidently for an unbeaten 43 off 39 deliveries.
Together, the duo rebuilt the innings with a crucial 94-run stand that not only steadied the ship but also ensured Phoenix reached 111/3 — a total that looked commanding on a surface that wasn’t easy for stroke-making. For the Originals, Mahika Gaur (1/5 from 15 balls) and Deandra Dottin (1/4 from 10 balls) made early breakthroughs, while Sophie Ecclestone (1/21 from 20 balls) kept things tight with her disciplined spell.
Chasing 112, Manchester Originals endured a disastrous start. Skipper Beth Mooney was dismissed for a duck and Kathryn Bryce was run out, leaving them rattled at 5/2. Amelia Kerr’s dismissal triggered another slide. Young Seren Smale stood out with a fighting 29 from 34 balls, displaying maturity beyond her years, while Lauren Filer’s late cameo of 19 off 11 gave the Originals faint hope.
But Phoenix’s bowlers were relentless. Megan Schutt led the attack superbly with figures of 3 for 14 from 20 balls, striking at crucial intervals, while Phoebe Brett, Emily Arlott, and Hannah Baker each chipped in with a wicket each. In the end, the Originals were bowled out for 95 in exactly 100 balls, falling well short of the target.
The victory was bittersweet for Birmingham Phoenix, who, despite registering only their second win in seven outings, have already been knocked out of the tournament. However, the result carried significant consequences for Manchester Originals. Their path to the finals has now become uncertain, with qualification no longer in their own hands.
The Originals, currently placed fourth with four wins from seven games, will have to rely on favourable results from Northern Superchargers, London Spirit, and Trent Rockets if they are to keep their campaign alive.
Loves all things female cricket