Ellyse Perry Stars as Birmingham Phoenix Clinch Thrilling First Win Over Welsh Fire

Ellyse Perry produced a captain's innings to guide Birmingham Phoenix to a dramatic seven-wicket victory over Welsh Fire in The Hundred at Edgbaston, securing the hosts' first win of the season with just one ball remaining.

Chasing a target of 145, Perry remained unbeaten on 68 from 46 deliveries and shared a match-defining 86-run partnership for the third wicket with Alice Capsey, who struck a fluent 51 off 29 balls. With Phoenix needing 10 runs from the final two deliveries, Perry held her nerve by smashing Heather Graham for a boundary and a six to seal the victory in thrilling fashion.

Earlier, Welsh Fire posted 144 for 3, thanks largely to an impressive 78 off 55 balls from Georgia Voll. After a cautious start during the powerplay alongside Ella McCaughan, Voll accelerated against the Phoenix spinners and reached her half-century with a six off Eva Gray. Her innings featured nine boundaries and two sixes before she was caught at long-on by Capsey off Linsey Smith.

Sophie Devine provided a late flourish for the visitors, blasting an unbeaten 35 from just 18 balls, including two sixes in the final over, to push Welsh Fire to a competitive total.

Phoenix's chase began on a shaky note as Davina Perrin fell in the opening set, while Tammy Beaumont departed soon after making a steady contribution. However, Capsey counterattacked with an aggressive knock before combining with Perry to swing the momentum in Phoenix's favour.

The pair added their fifty partnership in only 30 balls, putting the hosts firmly on course for victory. Capsey's dismissal with 24 runs still required briefly revived Welsh Fire's hopes, but Perry remained composed. After Annerie Dercksen helped steady the chase, the Australian veteran finished the contest in style with two decisive blows at the death.

The victory lifted Birmingham Phoenix off the bottom of the standings and ended their winless start to the campaign, while Welsh Fire's hopes of progressing in the competition suffered a significant setback.

Named the Meerkat Match Hero, Perry praised her side's resilience after the match.

"It is lovely to have the win at home. The atmosphere here today was amazing," Perry said. "I thought we did pretty well to restrict the Fire with our bowling and then timed the chase well to get over the line."

"The results haven't been there for us, but we've had a lot of fun as a group. Partnerships are crucial, and the way Alice batted today was outstanding. It was great to take the game deep and come through in the end. It was a great contest."

Phoenix's long-awaited first victory, achieved in front of part-owner Jude Bellingham at Edgbaston, could provide the momentum they need as the competition enters its decisive phase.