In a pulsating encounter at Trent Bridge– Birmingham Phoenix triumphed over Trent Rockets by a narrow margin of 3 runs in the 9th match of the The Hundred 2024. The match featured standout performances and intense moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Birmingham Phoenix, led by the all-around brilliance of Ellyse Perry, posted a mammoth total. Despite a valiant chase by the Trent Rockets, they fell just short, culminating in a nail-biting finish that highlighted the competitive spirit and high quality of cricket in the tournament.
Birmingham Phoenix posted a competitive total of 139/3 from their 100 balls. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Phoenix had a steady start despite losing Sophie Devine for 17. Devine, who looked to build a solid foundation, was trapped lbw by Alana King, curbing her aggressive instincts and ending her innings at a run-a-ball pace.
Sterre Kalis played the anchor role to perfection, crafting a well-paced 48 not out off 42 balls. Kalis’s innings was characterized by her patience and ability to rotate the strike, hitting five boundaries and maintaining a strike rate of 114.28. Her stability at one end allowed Ellyse Perry the freedom to unleash her aggressive game at the other.
Ellyse Perry’s sensational 66 off just 34 balls was the highlight of the Phoenix innings. Perry’s knock was a masterclass in power-hitting and precise shot selection. She struck six boundaries and cleared the ropes four times, ending with an impressive strike rate of 194.11. Perry’s innings ensured the Phoenix maintained a high run rate, especially in the middle overs, where her dominance was particularly evident. Her partnership with Kalis added significant impetus to the Phoenix innings, putting the team in a strong position. This crucial 100-run partnership in just 60 balls laid the foundation for a formidable total.
Amy Jones added a quick 4 off 3 balls before being run out on the final ball of the innings. Her cameo, although brief, was vital in ensuring the Phoenix maximized their total right till the end. The Phoenix finished their innings at 139/3, a total that seemed competitive given the context of the game and the pitch conditions.
Trent Rockets’ bowlers had a mixed outing, with Heather Graham standing out as the most economical and effective. Graham’s figures of 1/15 from her 20 balls highlighted her control and ability to stifle the scoring rate. Her discipline and consistency made her the pick of the bowlers for the Rockets.
Alana King, despite a strong start, struggled towards the end, finishing with figures of 1/26 from her 20 balls. She managed to take the crucial wicket of Sophie Devine but couldn’t prevent the runs from flowing during her later overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Kirstie Gordon were economical, conceding 30 and 32 runs respectively from their full quota of 20 balls each. However, their inability to take wickets proved costly as the Phoenix batters capitalized on the lack of breakthroughs.
Ashleigh Gardner had a particularly tough outing, conceding 29 runs from her 10 balls. Her economy rate of 2.90 runs per ball was the highest among the Rockets’ bowlers, indicating her struggle to contain the Phoenix batters. The Rockets’ bowling unit, while showing moments of brilliance, couldn’t consistently apply pressure on the Phoenix, allowing them to set a challenging target.
In response to Birmingham Phoenix’s competitive total of 139/3, Trent Rockets began their chase cautiously. Opener Bryony Smith provided a steady foundation with her 23 off 25 balls, striking three boundaries to keep the scoreboard ticking. However, the Rockets lost early wickets, which put them on the back foot. Grace Scrivens, batting at number three, managed just 6 off 9 balls before being caught by Suzie Bates off Ellyse Perry’s bowling. Scrivens’ early dismissal was a blow to the Rockets, and they found themselves needing to stabilize the innings.
The match appeared to be in balance until the Rockets’ captain, Nat Sciver-Brunt, took charge. Sciver-Brunt played an authoritative knock, scoring 59 off 37 balls. Her innings was decorated with 10 fours, demonstrating her ability to find gaps and score at a brisk pace. Sciver-Brunt’s aggression and shot-making kept the Rockets in the hunt, and her presence at the crease was crucial to their chase. However, despite her valiant effort, the Rockets kept losing wickets at crucial intervals, which hampered their momentum.
Charis Pavely made a significant impact with the ball for the Phoenix, claiming 2/20 from her 20 balls. Pavely’s bowling was instrumental in turning the match in Phoenix’s favour, as she took the crucial wickets of Sciver-Brunt and Ashleigh Gardner. Gardner, who scored 10 off 11 balls, was bowled by Pavely, while Sciver-Brunt was caught by Hannah Baker, ending her captain’s knock and putting the Rockets under immense pressure.
Katie Levick was equally impressive with the ball, taking 2/26 from her 20 balls. Levick’s performance included the wicket of Bryony Smith, who was caught by Ellyse Perry, and the stumping of Katie George by Amy Jones. George, who scored just 2 off 5 balls, was stumped as she tried to accelerate the scoring. Levick’s wickets came at critical moments, further denting the Rockets’ chase.
Heather Graham’s unbeaten 30 off 12 balls gave the Rockets a glimmer of hope towards the end of their innings. Graham’s innings included four boundaries and a six, showcasing her ability to score quickly under pressure. Despite her efforts, tight bowling and disciplined fielding from the Phoenix ensured the Rockets fell just short. Graham’s late surge brought the Rockets close, but they ultimately ended their innings at 136/7 from their 100 balls, falling 3 runs shy of the target.
Ellyse Perry was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-defining performance. Perry’s all-around display, including her explosive 66 off 34 balls with the bat and her economical and crucial spell of 1/10 from 10 balls with the ball, highlighted her immense value to the Phoenix. Perry’s ability to influence the game in multiple facets underlined why she remains one of the most impactful players in women’s cricket. Her leadership, skill, and composure were key factors in Birmingham Phoenix securing a thrilling victory over Trent Rockets in this closely contested match, boosting their campaign in The Hundred 2024.
Brief Score: Birmingham Phoenix vs Trent Rockets, Match 9 of The Hundred 2024
Birmingham Phoenix- 139/3 (Ellyse Perry 66, Sterre Kalis 48; Heather Graham 1/15) defeated Trent Rocket- 136/7 (Nat Sciver-Brunt 59 Heather Graham 30; Charis Pavely 2/20) by 3 runs.
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