The Birmingham Phoenix showed their dominance at home as they secured a 16-run victory over the Southern Brave in a thrilling encounter at Edgbaston. The Phoenix, who had previously endured a tough losing streak, now seem to be on the right track with two wins from two under the inspiring leadership of Ellyse Perry.
The match began with Phoenix being put in to bat by the Brave captain, Georgia Adams. Despite a solid start, 16-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman made an immediate impact by dismissing Sophie Devine with her very first ball and later accounting for Sterre Kalis through a sharp stumping by Rhianna Southby. Perry and Amy Jones then took charge and added 23 runs before Perry was caught by Maia Bouchier.
With the score reading 55 for 3 at the halfway mark, Phoenix needed to pick up the pace, a task which was executed brilliantly by Jones and a quick-fire cameo from Emily Arlott. Jones reached a well-deserved half-century as Phoenix posted a total of 137 for 7, with Lauren Cheatle proving to be economical in her spell.
Southern Brave’s chase began positively with three boundaries from Smriti Mandhana, but Perry soon rattled the top-order, dismissing Mandhana, Bouchier, and Adams in quick succession. Danni Wyatt and Freya Kemp tried to hold the innings together, but Charis Pavely and Hannah Baker kept the pressure on, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals.
As the Brave’s required run-rate soared, Phoenix’s bowlers kept a tight leash on the opposition, ultimately sealing the win. Jones praised Arlott’s impactful innings and Perry’s stellar start with the ball, emphasizing the team’s strong fielding and support for the bowlers throughout the game.
Overall, it was a fantastic display of Cricket from the Phoenix, led by the exceptional Ellyse Perry, as they claimed a well-deserved victory in front of their home crowd. The team will be looking to carry this momentum forward in the upcoming matches, building on their recent success.
