BIRMINGHAM — Welsh Fire finally ignited their campaign in The Hundred 2025 women's competition, securing a commanding 36-run victory over Birmingham Phoenix at a sun-drenched Edgbaston on Tuesday evening.
The result not only delivered the Fire their first win of the season but also mathematically eliminated the Phoenix from contention for the knockout stages, a devastating blow for the home side in front of a passionate crowd.
After being asked to bat first, Welsh Fire posted a formidable total of 143 for 5, built around a blistering 76-run partnership between captain Sophie Devine and the impressive Chamari Athapaththu.
Devine and Athapaththu Provide the Spark
The Fire's innings had stuttered early, losing two quick wickets inside the first 25 balls. However, the experience of Devine and the explosive power of Sri Lankan superstar Athapaththu combined to wrestle back control. Devine, playing with characteristic aggression, anchored the innings with a well-constructed 48 from 35 deliveries. But it was Athapaththu who provided the true fireworks, smashing 45 from just 24 balls, an innings peppered with seven fours and two towering sixes.
Phoenix's bowling, which had started with such discipline, began to fray under the onslaught. England's Issy Wong picked up two wickets but proved expensive, conceding 33 runs from her 20 balls. The key moment came when Athapaththu was finally dismissed by Australian all-rounder Nicola Hancock, but the damage had already been done, setting a challenging target of 144 for victory.
Fire's Bowling Attack Extinguishes Phoenix Chase
In response, Birmingham Phoenix's chase never truly found momentum. The loss of key opener Eve Jones in the very first set of five balls to South African seamer Shabnim Ismail set a nervous tone. Welsh Fire's bowling unit displayed remarkable discipline and variety, with spinners Amanda-Jade Wellington and Sarah Glenn applying a relentless squeeze through the middle phase of the innings.
The required run rate climbed steadily, and the pressure told as Phoenix batters succumbed to a series of poor shots. Wickets fell at regular intervals, extinguishing any hope of a late surge. Key performers for the Phoenix included:
- Sophie Molineux: The Australian tried to rebuild with a patient 28 but lacked partners.
- Amy Jones: The England wicketkeeper-batter made a brisk 22 but was caught on the boundary attempting a much-needed maximum.
The Phoenix innings eventually limped to a close at 107 for 7 from their 100 balls, a comprehensive defeat that highlighted their batting frailties throughout the tournament. For the Fire, the wickets were shared around, a testament to a complete team bowling performance.
Captain Devine Hails Team Performance
A visibly relieved and delighted Sophie Devine spoke after the match, praising her team's resilience after a winless start to the season. "It's been a tough start, there's no hiding from that, but the belief in the group never wavered. The way Chamari and the bowlers executed today was exactly what we've been working towards. This is the standard we know we can set."
She reserved special praise for her opening partner, Athapaththu, whose innings proved to be the match-winning contribution. "Chamari is a world-class player, and she showed that today. She took the pressure right off and allowed us to post a score that we were always confident defending."
Phoenix Captain Rues Missed Opportunities
In contrast, a dejected Phoenix captain, Ellyse Perry, reflected on a tournament that promised much but delivered little. "It's incredibly disappointing. We never really got going with the bat all competition, and today was another example of that. Welsh Fire outplayed us in all departments, and we have to be better."
She acknowledged that the team's elimination was a tough pill to swallow. "It's a bitter end. We have one more game to play, and we owe it to our fans to finish with a performance we can be proud of. There's a lot to reflect on."
Tournament Implications and Looking Ahead
This victory propels Welsh Fire off the bottom of the table and keeps their faint hopes of a late push for the Eliminator alive, though they remain dependent on other results. More importantly, it provides a massive confidence boost for their final group game.
For Birmingham Phoenix, the loss confirms their exit, a premature end for a squad packed with international talent. Their final match is now a dead rubber, a chance to play for pride after a campaign that failed to meet expectations.
The match at Edgbaston was a showcase of The Hundred's competitive nature, where one partnership and a disciplined bowling effort can completely shift a team's fortunes. For Welsh Fire, the first win is on the board; for Birmingham Phoenix, the focus must now turn to rebuilding for next year.
The standout performer, Chamari Athapaththu, was deservedly awarded the Match Hero cap. In a post-match interview, she summed up the team's feeling: "We needed this win. We played as a team today with great spirit. I am happy I could contribute to our first victory."