Birmingham Phoenix clinched a thrilling 11-run victory over Trent Rockets in The Hundred Women 2025, fueled by a stellar batting display from Emma Lamb and a disciplined bowling effort led by wrist-spinners Hannah Baker and Millie Taylor. Despite a defiant 64 from the Rockets’ formidable Nat Sciver-Brunt, the Phoenix bowlers held their nerve to secure a crucial win, delighting the growing home crowd.

Emma Lamb lights up Edgbaston with her half-century

Electing to bat first at Edgbaston, Birmingham Phoenix set a competitive total of 148/5 from their 100 balls. The innings was anchored by the in-form opener, Emma Lamb, who showcased her class with a superb half-century, scoring 55 runs from just 32 deliveries. Phoenix began cautiously, navigating the initial phase to reach 16/0 after 15 balls and concluding the 25-ball power play at 36/0. By the halfway mark, the score stood at 78-1, with the only casualty being Georgia Voll, bowled by Australia’s leg-spinner Alana King for 19. Lamb accelerated effectively, bringing up her fifty in a brisk 28 balls, decorated with eight boundaries. Her impactful innings concluded when she flat-batted Ashleigh Gardner’s off-spin into the safe hands of King at deep midwicket, falling with the scoreboard reading 89. Subsequent contributions ensured Phoenix reached a challenging target, setting the stage for their bowlers to defend.

Phoenix bowlers stifle Rockets’ chase

Chasing 149 for victory, Trent Rockets faced a relentless and economical bowling attack from Birmingham Phoenix. Captain Ellyse Perry led from the front, conceding a mere 17 runs from her 20 balls, applying early pressure that permeated the Rockets’ run chase. Amidst the tightening grip, Nat Sciver-Brunt provided a beacon of hope for the Rockets. She completed her half-century with a powerful six off Em Arlott over midwicket, swiftly following it by a straight four. Her boundary off Megan Schutt’s final ball narrowed the chase, leaving 27 runs needed from the last 10 deliveries.

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However, the Phoenix’s young wrist-spinners rose to the occasion. Left-armer Millie Taylor (1’22) bowled a crucial penultimate set of five balls, conceding just seven runs and dramatically leaving 20 runs for Em Arlott to defend in the final set. The highlight of the innings, and a game-changing moment, came when Taylor pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at short fine-leg to dismiss the dangerous Sciver-Brunt, effectively sealing the Rockets’ fate. Arlott finished with figures of 2’38, while Hannah Baker was outstanding with 2/18 from her 15 balls, as Trent Rockets concluded their innings at 137/6.

Birmingham Phoenix kicked off The Hundred 2025 in perfect fashion 🏏#women #cricket #TheHundred #BirminghamPhoenix pic.twitter.com/vDTgPGQXbQ

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) August 9, 2025

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.