The Birmingham Phoenix faced off against the Trent Rockets in a crucial match at Edgbaston, with both teams vying for a spot in the knockout stages of The Hundred. In a thrilling encounter, the Rockets’ decision to retire Imad Wasim backfired before Jacob Bethell’s heroics sealed the chase for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix, batting first, put up a total of 120 for 4, with Bethell top-scoring with an unbeaten 38 and Liam Livingstone contributing a crucial 30 not out. The Rockets, chasing the target, could only manage 118 all out, with Tom Alsop scoring 51 before Tim Southee ran through their batting lineup with figures of 5 for 12.
“It was a pretty good performance,” Southee remarked after his sensational bowling display. “I think the bowlers assessed the conditions well and then the way the batters went about it towards the end, Bethell and Livingstone knocked it around and chose great options. So, I think it was a pretty good all-round performance.”
The Phoenix’s decision to bowl first paid off handsomely as their pace attack led by Moeen Ali wreaked havoc on the Rockets’ top order. The quartet of Tom Banton, Alex Hales, Joe Root, and Rovman Powell were dismissed early on, leaving the Rockets reeling at 22 for 4.
Despite the early collapse, Tom Alsop and Imad Wasim steadied the ship for the Rockets with a crucial partnership. However, the Rockets’ decision to retire Imad on a well-made 29 proved costly, as Chris Green failed to make an impact after coming in as his replacement.
Southee’s brilliant spell with the ball dismantled the Rockets’ batting lineup, with Alsop’s fifty being the lone bright spot for the visitors. The Phoenix were set a target of 119 to win, and Ben Duckett’s explosive start provided them with the momentum they needed.
With the chase in the balance, Luke Wood threatened to derail the Phoenix’s innings by dismissing Duckett and Jamie Smith in quick succession. However, Bethell held his nerve and guided his team to a crucial victory, pushing the Phoenix into the knockout positions in The Hundred.
The result leaves three teams – Phoenix, Southern Brave, and Northern Superchargers – in contention for a place in the knockout rounds, while the Rockets, along with London Spirit, Manchester Originals, and Welsh Fire, have seen their tournament dreams come to an end. It was a pulsating contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, with Bethell emerging as the hero for the Phoenix on a memorable night at Edgbaston.
