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Manchester Originals missed a golden opportunity to solidify their position in The Hundred Women’s Eliminator race, suffering a disappointing 16-run defeat to bottom-of-the-table Birmingham Phoenix. The loss at Emirates Old Trafford saw the Originals slipping out of the top three, jeopardizing their chances of progressing beyond the group phase for the first time in the competition. Despite a strong bowling display that restricted the Phoenix to a modest 111 for 3, an inspired performance with the ball, led by Australian seamer Megan Schutt, proved too much for the hosts.
Ellyse Perry and Sterre Kalis anchor Phoenix innings amidst early woes
Birmingham Phoenix skipper Ellyse Perry opted to bat first after winning the toss, but her decision initially seemed questionable as the visitors quickly found themselves in trouble. Opener Georgia Voll departed for a four-ball duck, caught at deep square-leg off the bowling of Mahika Gaur. The Originals’ formidable bowling attack maintained relentless pressure, with the Phoenix crawling to just 15 runs from 24 balls. Emma Lamb offered a straightforward chance to Deandra Dottin off Sophie Ecclestone and Amy Jones soon followed, falling to Dottin, leaving Birmingham reeling at 17 for 3.
However, a superb rescue operation was mounted by the experienced campaigner Perry and the dynamic Sterre Kalis. The Australian legend showcased her class, reaching her second successive half-century with a commanding six over mid-wicket off Kathryn Bryce.
That's another 5️⃣0️⃣ for Ellyse Perry in #TheHundred! 🩷#RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/73KmhMOWtd
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 24, 2025
Kalis provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on a sparky 43 from 39 deliveries. Their crucial partnership propelled the Phoenix to a defendable total of 111 for 3 from their allotted balls, giving their bowlers a fighting chance.
Originals’ early collapse during chase
Chasing 112 for victory, the Originals’ innings got off to a catastrophic start, reminiscent of their opponents’ early struggles. Both openers were dismissed for ducks within the first few balls. Kathryn Bryce was run out by a sharp piece of fielding from Emma Lamb, and Beth Mooney fell victim to a spectacular running catch by Marie Kelly off the bowling of Megan Schutt. The early wickets left the home side reeling at 14 for 2. The misery continued when Em Arlott snared Alice Monaghan, further deepening the hole for the Originals at 14 for 3.
Just two balls later, the situation worsened as 19-year-old off-spinner Phoebe Brett joined the wicket-taking party, having Amelia Kerr caught at mid-on by Arlott. This left Manchester Originals in a dire position at 14 for 4, effectively shattering their top order and putting their pursuit of a crucial win in serious jeopardy.
Deandra Dottin and Seren Smale attempted to stabilize the innings, forging a cautious partnership. However, their efforts were short-lived as Hannah Baker snared Dottin, caught at long-off as she tried to accelerate the scoring rate. Seren Smale displayed resilience, digging deep for her 34-ball 29, but her gritty knock eventually concluded when she was caught at short fine-leg by Brett, giving Megan Schutt her third wicket of the match.
Schutt (3 for 14) spearheaded an inspired bowling performance, consistently troubling the Originals’ batters. Despite Lauren Filer’s late cameo, featuring three boundaries in her unbeaten 19, the Originals could not recover from their earlier collapse. They were eventually bowled out for 95 from the final ball of their innings, falling 16 runs short of the target.
Birmingham Phoenix take the win over Manchester Originals at Emirates Old Trafford! 👏#TheHundred | #RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/5he1R7gUcx
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 24, 2025
