Birmingham Phoenix won their first match in The Hundred 2026 women’s competition in dramatic fashion, defeating Welsh Fire with just one ball remaining as investor Jude Bellingham watched on.
The Phoenix were bottom of the table going into the game at Edgbaston, sitting on just two points.
Welsh Fire batted first after the home side opted to bowl and made 144 from 100 balls with Georgia Voll scoring 78 off 55 deliveries.
However, it was the joint-firepower of Elysse Perry and Alice Capsey that earned Birmingham their first victory, hitting 68no and 51 respectively.
Phoenix took the game right down to the wire, though, still needing 10 to win with three balls remaining.
Birmingham Phoenix’s Ellyse Perry guided her side to victory
But Perry then launched Heather Graham for a six over deep mid-wicket before striking the next ball for four through point to secure the victory.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Perry said: “It is lovely to have the win at home, amazing atmosphere here today. I thought we did pretty well to restrict the Fire there with our bowling and then [we] just timed it at the end to get over the line.
“The results haven’t been there for us but we’ve had a lot of fun as a group. Today was another cool opportunity and a nice challenge.
“Partnerships are crucial and the way Alice batted today was outstanding. To have the opportunity there to take it deep and have a chance in the last 10. It was a great contest.”
Georgia Voll’s fine effort at the crease was not enough to seal the win
England and Real Madrid star Bellingham was in the crowd for the women’s match and ahead of the men’s contest, also with Welsh Fire.
This follows his purchase of a 1.2 per cent stake in the Phoenix earlier this year.
Prior to the Welsh Fire clash, Birmingham had previously fallen to defeat to Southern Brave, Trent Rockets and had their game with Manchester Super Giants abandoned due to rain.
The Phoenix now sit fifth in The Hundred table, while Welsh Fire drop to seventh.
Watch every match of The Hundred through to the finals on Sunday, August 16. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW