Clutch wickets From Perry and Levick See Phoenix Hold On Clutch wickets From Perry and Levick See Phoenix Hold On
Clutch wickets From Perry and Levick See Phoenix Hold On

August 11, 2024

Clutch wickets From Perry and Levick See Phoenix Hold On

In a gripping contest, Birmingham Phoenix edged out Welsh Fire by nine runs, leaving the latter’s place in the knockout stages uncertain. Phoenix scored 121 for 7 and scored a crucial 55 from Kalis and solid contributions from Matthews, who claimed 3 for 32. Despite a valiant effort from Welsh Fire, who managed 112 for 8, Matthews’ tight bowling with figures of 2 for 9 and Levick’s 2 for 21 proved decisive. Fire’s playoff aspirations remain in the balance, while Phoenix’s victory ensures their quest for a top-three finish continues.

In a crucial clash as The Hundred approached its climax, Birmingham Phoenix’s bowlers delivered an inspired performance to overturn expectations and stay firmly in the hunt. With a modest target of 121, Phoenix captain Ellyse Perry led from the front, claiming two key wickets in successive deliveries to dismiss Sophie Dunkley and Sarah Bryce. Earlier, Charis Pavely had impacted by inducing a thin edge from Tammy Beaumont.

Welsh Fire’s overseas stars Hayley Matthews and Jess Jonassen fought back despite these setbacks with a crucial 46-run partnership. Jonassen showcased her prowess with a superb down-the-ground drive for the only six of the Fire’s innings. However, as the required run rate climbed with 34 runs needed from 27 balls, leg-spinner Hannah Baker delivered a decisive blow by dismissing Jonassen with a straight delivery that defeated her reverse sweep, tightening Phoenix’s grip on the game.

Katie Levick, the daring leg-spinner, played a pivotal role in Birmingham Phoenix’s win by dismissing the dangerous Georgia Elwiss, caught at deep mid-off. Levick returned for the crucial final five overs to remove Hayley Matthews for a well-fought 35 off 38 balls, with Matthews falling to a catch at extra cover while attempting to clear the infield.

Arlott’s Calm Finish and Kalis’ Key Innings Propel Phoenix Forward

With 14 runs still needed, Emily Arlott delivered a composed final set of overs to seal the match for Phoenix. Earlier, Phoenix’s innings was anchored by Sterre Kalis, who, after a cautious start alongside Sophie Devine, exploded with eight boundaries on her way to a crucial half-century, her first of the tournament.

Despite a disciplined bowling performance from Matthews, who took 3 for 32, Phoenix’s total proved sufficient on a challenging pitch. The win keeps Phoenix’s top-three hopes alive as the tournament heads into its final week.

Kalis, named Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on her performance:  “Obviously we struggled a bit at the start on a used pitch and I probably let the bowlers bowl a bit too much to me, rather than getting out there with more intent, but I stuck around and finally got some away and felt alright!

“I’m really happy with the opportunity to go in up top, it was something I really wanted this year and to get an opportunity is something I really appreciate.

“Credit to Pez [Perry] early on and then the spinners. It wasn’t the highest total to defend, so the bowlers did an amazing job to restrict them. Two more games to go. A good win for us today and hopefully we can stay in the competition.”

Bangladesh Test Squad to Arrive Four Days Ahead of Schedule in Pakistan

In response to ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invited the Bangladesh senior men’s cricket team to train in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The team will arrive in Lahore on August 13, before their initially scheduled arrival, to prepare for a two-Test series against Pakistan.

The squad will spend three days training at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and another three days at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium before the first Test begins in Rawalpindi on August 21.

Ongoing political unrest in Bangladesh has significantly disrupted the Bangladesh cricket team’s preparations. Due to security concerns, the team’s overseas coaching staff could not join the players at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka last week. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is actively working with the coaches’ embassies to secure the necessary clearances.

In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) extended an invitation for the team to train in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The early departure ensures that the players have “adequate and fair training opportunities” before their two-Test series against Pakistan, with the first match set to begin in Rawalpindi on August 21.

“Sports is not only about winning and losing, it’s also about [camaraderie],” Salman Naseer, PCB chief operating officer, said in a statement. “I remain confident that the extra training sessions in Lahore will allow the players to showcase their best skills and talent on the global stage.”

For the past three days, the Bangladesh players have been training individually at the Shere Bangla National Stadium under the guidance of coach Shohel Islam.

“We thank the PCB for giving the Bangladesh cricket team the opportunity to have additional training in Pakistan,” BCB chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury said in a statement. “This will certainly help the players to [acclimatize] to the conditions and prepare better for the ICC World Test Championship series.”

Last month, the training camp for Bangladesh’s Test cricketers in Chattogram was interrupted by widespread anti-government protests nationwide. Political rallies have also impacted activities at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Despite recent disruptions, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) dispatched the high-performance team to Australia and the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan. The latter’s departure was slightly delayed, but the team arrived in Islamabad on Saturday. Bangladesh A is scheduled to play two four-day and three one-day matches in Pakistan, running concurrently with the senior team’s Test series in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The squad for the Test series is expected to be announced on Sunday.


author
Katarzyna Nowak

Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and cricket sportsbook app reviews. As an author for The Wicket Insider, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for cricket, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.