Ellyse Perry delivered a match-winning performance for Birmingham Phoenix in their final game of the 2026 Hundred campaign. Her unbeaten half-century secured a five-wicket victory over MI London, marking a high note for the all-rounder despite her team’s overall performance in the tournament.
The match, described as a “wooden-spoon battle” between the two lowest-ranked sides, saw Perry score an unbeaten 62 runs off 39 balls. Her innings included seven fours and two sixes, and she shared a 66-run stand with Pakistan captain Fatima Sana. Perry also contributed in the field, taking a catch off Alana King to dismiss Chinelle Henry, who was MI London’s top-scorer with 42 runs. The Phoenix chased down MI London’s 6-120, reaching 5-121 with six balls remaining, with Perry hitting the winning run.
Reflecting on the season, the 35-year-old Perry expressed satisfaction with finishing on a high. She noted that despite the team’s struggles, their effort throughout the championship was consistent. Perry also highlighted the positive experience of participating in the tournament, mentioning the good weather, enthusiastic crowds, and the overall growth of women’s cricket during the summer.
Wareham’s impactful finish
In another match, fellow Australian Georgia Wareham also concluded her Hundred campaign with a half-century. Playing for Welsh Fire, Wareham scored 50 runs, contributing to her team’s 15-run victory over London Spirit in Cardiff. Her innings, which included six fours and a six, helped Welsh Fire post a total of 7-138. Grace Harris of the Spirit took 3-15 in that match.
Despite Wareham’s strong individual performance, her efforts were not enough to secure a playoff spot for Welsh Fire, as they finished fifth among the eight teams. Harris’s struggles with the bat continued, as she was dismissed for one run in reply. Heather Graham (2-16) and Wareham (1-29) were instrumental in bowling out London Spirit for 123 runs.
Tournament context and upcoming matches
Perry’s individual form throughout the tournament was notable, as she finished as one of the six leading run-scorers with 223 runs at an average of 55.75. Other prominent Australian players in the tournament included Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 289 runs, and Annabel Sutherland, with 273 runs. Both Litchfield and Sutherland played for Sunrisers Leeds and were the top two scorers after the group stages.
The Birmingham Phoenix men’s team had a challenging season in the Hundred Men’s 2026, being the first team eliminated from the competition. They began their season with a win but subsequently faced a six-match losing streak. Their final game against MI London, played at Edgbaston, was an opportunity to end the season with a victory, potentially breaking their losing streak. MI London, on the other hand, needed a win to maintain their playoff hopes and improve their net run rate.
Looking ahead, Trent Rockets, featuring Beth Mooney, captain Ash Gardner, and Kim Garth, have already secured a spot in Sunday’s final at Lord’s. Leeds, with players like Litchfield, Sutherland, and Jess Jonassen, are set to face the Sophie Molineux-led Southern Brave in the ‘eliminator’ semi-final on Friday.
Source: cricket.com.au
