Trent Rockets dominated Birmingham Phoenix in a lopsided Women’s Hundred encounter at Edgbaston, dismissing the home side for 64 and completing a comprehensive nine-wicket victory while chasing the target in 31 balls.
Phoenix managed just 64 runs across 95 deliveries, marking the joint second-lowest total in Women’s Hundred history. Ellyse Perry was the lone bright spot with 39 runs, while no other batter reached double figures. Debutant Samantha Bates starred with the ball for Rockets, recording 3-10, while Georgia Elwiss took 3-13. Australia’s Kim Garth also impressed with 2-5 and Katie Levick claimed 1-8 as bowlers continued to dominate across the competition.
The Rockets’ chase proved straightforward, with Sophia Dunkley’s commanding 43 from 17 balls leading the pursuit. Dunkley struck eight fours and a six to make the pitch appear far more amenable to batting than Phoenix’s performance had suggested. The only moment of fortune for Phoenix came when Ash Gardner dropped Perry on nine, though it made little difference to the eventual outcome.
The result continued a challenging period for Phoenix, who have finished bottom or seventh in the table in recent seasons. Newly acquired batters including opening pair Davina Perrin and Tammy Beaumont failed to make an impact, with both falling cheaply. The loss highlighted ongoing difficulties in the team’s preparations despite strengthening efforts in earlier auctions.
The match formed part of a bowler-dominated start to the tournament, with London Spirit bowled out for 80 earlier and Southern Brave posting the competition’s highest score of 126. Four matches are scheduled for later in the week, with Sunrisers Leeds and Southern Brave meeting in the next women’s fixture.
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