Top 3 reasons why Birmingham Phoenix Women lost to Welsh Fire Women in the Hundred Women's 2025 match 24

Birmingham Phoenix Women lost by 36 runs against Welsh Fire Women in Match 24 of The Hundred Women's 2025 at Edgbaston. Welsh Fire batted first and finished on 150/3 in 20 overs, with important contributions from Jess Jonassen and Hayley Matthews. Phoenix's positive start to the chase, with Ellyse Perry scoring a fighting 55, quickly faded when regular wickets and disciplined bowling prevented any combination from working together. Phoenix ended on 114/9, leaving them well behind the target. Here are the main reasons why Birmingham Phoenix Women lost the match.

1. Struggles in the Chase

Phoenix faced huge obstacles when trying to chase 151. Although Ellyse Perry contributed with a battling 55, the team failed to create anything meaningful over the course of their innings. Timely dismissals at pivotal moments meant the Phoenix were struggling at 101/9 and unable to mount a successful chase

2. Strong Bowling by Welsh Fire

Welsh Fire's bowlers were very effective. Shabnim Ismail finishing on 3/16 and Hayley Matthews on 3/21. They bowled in an extremely disciplined manner, which allowed limited opportunities for Phoenix to score or settle in during their innings. This meant their batters consistently faced pressure to score throughout their innings.

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3. Inability to Contain Fire’s Top Order

Phoenix bowlers battled to restrict the Welsh Fire's openers. Sophia Dunkley and Hayley Matthews scored at ease to form a 50-run partnership, and Jess Jonassen scored an explosive 44* off 25 balls, with 10 boundaries, convincing Welsh Fire with a challenging total that was difficult to chase.