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In a gripping encounter at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge, Ellyse Perry‘s exceptional all-round performance led Birmingham Phoenix to a much-needed three-runs victory over the Trent Rockets in The Hundred Women’s 2024. This win not only snapped Phoenix’s 12-match losing streak but also showcased Perry’s stellar capabilities with both bat and ball.
Birmingham Phoenix’s batting showcase
The Phoenix, winning the toss, opted to bat on a sunny afternoon, setting a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 32 runs between Sophie Devine and Sterre Kalis. Devine, however, was dismissed lbw by Alana King for 17, bringing Phoenix captain Ellyse Perry to the crease. Perry quickly accelerated the scoring rate, racing to 41 from her first 20 balls and capitalizing on the favorable batting conditions. Despite a drop on the boundary, Perry went on to score an impressive 66 off just 34 balls.
Ellyse Perry’s impact in the field
Perry’s innings was marked by aggressive hitting, including 11 boundaries and four sixes, as she and Kalis forged a formidable partnership of 102 runs from 60 balls. Kalis also contributed significantly, ending unbeaten on 48. Amy Jones joined Kalis towards the end of the innings, and despite being run out on the final ball, Phoenix set a competitive total of 139 from their allotted 100 balls.
Perry’s influence extended beyond her batting as she made crucial contributions in the field. She first dismissed Scrivens for 6 and then showcased her fielding prowess by taking a spectacular running catch to dismiss Bryony Smith at long-on. This pivotal moment left the Rockets at 58/2, with Perry playing a key role in both the batting and fielding departments.
Also READ: Australian superstar Ellyse Perry reveals her retirement plans and thoughts on the 2028 Olympics
Nat Sciver-Brunt’s resistance and great catch by Hannah Baker
The Rockets’ chase was anchored by Nat Sciver-Brunt, who played a composed innings to score her sixth half-century in The Hundred. Sciver-Brunt’s powerful lofted drive off Hannah Baker marked her milestone, but her innings came to an end shortly after, when she attempted to ramp a short delivery over fine leg.
In the 84th over, Sciver made a bold attempt to ramp the ball over short fine leg, aiming for a boundary. Baker, demonstrating excellent anticipation and athleticism, tracked the ball as it soared towards him. He made a spectacular dive, hitting the ground heavily but managing to clasp the ball securely. Sciver, having failed to make adequate contact with the delivery, was dismissed as a result of Baker’s impressive catch.
Here’s the video:
Absolute commitment in the field from Hannah Baker! 😮#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/rlStaQFY2Z
— The Hundred (@thehundred) July 31, 2024
Thrilling finish in The Hundred Women’s 2024
As the game neared its conclusion, the Rockets needed 27 runs from the last 10 balls. Heather Graham’s explosive innings brought the Rockets close, hitting four boundaries and a massive six off the 98th ball. With seven runs required from the final two balls, Graham’s valiant effort fell short. She managed only two runs off the last delivery, finishing with 30 from 12 balls. Wraith’s run-out on the penultimate ball sealed the match for Phoenix, delivering a long-awaited victory and ending their losing streak.
Also WATCH: Nat Sciver-Brunt’s superb reflexes lead to Laura Wolvaardt’s run out in The Hundred Women’s 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
