BIRMINGHAM — England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered a valiant 64 off 40 balls, but her Trent Rockets fell short by 11 runs against Birmingham Phoenix in a thrilling Women’s Hundred encounter at Edgbaston. Despite her heroics, the Rockets couldn’t chase down Phoenix’s imposing total of 156/5, finishing at 145/7 in their 100-ball allotment.
The match, played in front of a lively crowd, showcased Sciver-Brunt’s class as she anchored the Rockets’ chase with a mix of power and precision. Her innings included nine boundaries and a six, but lack of support from the middle order proved costly. "Nat played a brilliant knock, but we needed someone to stay with her longer," lamented Rockets coach Jon Lewis in the post-match press conference.
Phoenix’s Strong Start Sets the Tone
Birmingham Phoenix, opting to bat first, got off to a flying start thanks to opener Eve Jones (42 off 28) and Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry (37 off 26). The pair put on a 68-run partnership in just 45 balls, laying the foundation for a competitive total. Key contributions came from:
- Sophie Devine’s quickfire 22 off 12
- Amy Jones’ unbeaten 18 off 10
Rockets’ spinners, particularly Sarah Glenn (2/24), pulled things back in the middle overs, but Phoenix’s lower order ensured they posted a daunting target. "We knew 156 was above par on this pitch, but with Nat in their side, we couldn’t relax," admitted Phoenix captain Sophie Devine.
Sciver-Brunt’s Lone Battle
The Rockets’ chase began shakily, losing Bryony Smith early, but Sciver-Brunt steadied the ship alongside Lizelle Lee (21 off 18). Just as the partnership looked threatening, Lee holed out to deep midwicket off Kirstie Gordon’s left-arm spin. From there, wickets fell at regular intervals:
- Heather Knight caught behind for 8
- Alice Davidson-Richards bowled by Issy Wong for 5
Sciver-Brunt reached her fifty off 32 balls with a towering six over long-on, but the required rate climbed above 12 per 10 balls. Her dismissal in the 85th ball, caught at deep extra cover off Hannah Baker, effectively ended the Rockets’ hopes. "I backed myself to take it deep, but credit to Phoenix’s bowlers—they executed under pressure," Sciver-Brunt said post-match.
Turning Point: Wong’s Double Strike
England quick Issy Wong (2/28) turned the game decisively in the 70th ball set, removing Davidson-Richards and then trapping Alana King lbw first ball. Her fiery spell, combined with Baker’s economical 1/22, squeezed the Rockets’ momentum. "Issy’s spell was the difference. She’s a big-game player," praised Devine.
What This Means for the Standings
The victory propels Phoenix to third in the table with two wins from three games, while the Rockets slip to fifth. Both teams remain in contention for the knockout stages, but the Rockets must address their over-reliance on Sciver-Brunt. "We’ve got the firepower; it’s about delivering collectively," stressed Lewis.
Key Takeaways
- Sciver-Brunt’s 64 marked her third fifty in four innings this season
- Phoenix’s spinners combined for 3/46 in 30 balls
- Rockets’ middle order contributed just 36 runs between positions 4-7
The match also highlighted The Hundred’s competitive balance, with seven of the eight women’s teams still mathematically alive for the playoffs. Phoenix next face Manchester Originals, while the Rockets take on London Spirit in must-win fixtures.
As Sciver-Brunt walked off to a standing ovation, the Edgbaston crowd acknowledged a masterclass in adversity. Yet, as the scoreboard confirmed, cricket remains a team sport—one where even brilliance like hers can sometimes end in vain.