Birmingham Phoenix secured their first victory of the season at Edgbaston, overcoming Welsh Fire in a tense finish that concluded with only one ball remaining. The hosts successfully chased a target of 145, finishing at 145 for 3 to claim their maiden win of the campaign.
The victory was anchored by Australian star Ellyse Perry, who remained unbeaten on 68 off 46 balls. Perry shared a pivotal 86-run partnership for the third wicket with Alice Capsey, who contributed a rapid 51 from 29 deliveries. With the game finely balanced and 24 runs still required, Capsey fell, creating a moment of tension. Annerie Dercksen joined Perry at the crease to steady the innings before Perry struck two crucial boundaries against Heather Graham in the final moments to seal the result.
Earlier in the match, Welsh Fire posted a total of 144 for 3, largely driven by Georgia Voll’s commanding 78 off 55 balls. Voll, who hit nine fours and two sixes, anchored the innings after a cautious start before eventually being caught by Capsey off the bowling of Linsey Smith. Sophie Devine added momentum to the visitors' total, finishing 35 not out from 18 balls with two late sixes.
The Phoenix chase faced an early setback when Davina Perrin was dismissed for a low score, caught by Georgia Wareham off the bowling of Potts. Tammy Beaumont and Capsey built a foundation, taking the score to 33 for 1 by the end of the powerplay, though Beaumont was later removed by Wareham’s legspin. Despite the pressure, the partnership between Perry and Capsey proved decisive.
Reflecting on the result, Perry noted the importance of the home atmosphere and the team's ability to restrict the opposition before timing the chase effectively. She praised Capsey’s batting and emphasized the significance of their partnership in securing the breakthrough win.
"Partnerships are crucial and the way Alice batted today was outstanding. To have the opportunity there to take it deep and have a chance in the last 10. It was a great contest."
Ellyse Perry player page headshot cutout, 2021
