Match 7 of The Hundred Women’s Competition 2025 turned out to be an exciting battle as Southern Brave Women beat Birmingham Phoenix Women by 15 runs at Southampton. Batting first, Southern Brave lost Maia Bouchier early, but Wyatt-Hodge took control with a superb knock of 59 from 39 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. Laura Wolvaardt played a handy innings of 28 from 19 balls, and Sophie Devine added 27 from 25. Birmingham’s bowlers worked hard to keep things in check, with Megan Schutt taking 2 for 23 and Em Arlott picking up 2 for 20. Southern Brave finished their innings on 139 for 7 in 100 balls.

Birmingham Phoenix had a tough start to their chase, slipping to 22 for 3. Ellyse Perry and Sterre Kalis then gave them hope with a solid partnership. Perry made 26 from 21 balls, while Kalis was the top scorer with 44 from 34 deliveries. They kept the team in the game, but once the stand was broken, wickets started to fall quickly.

Southern Brave’s bowlers stayed calm under pressure and finished the job. Lauren Bell was the star, taking 3 for 17, and Sophie Devine backed her batting with 2 for 28. Birmingham were bowled out for 124 in the 99th ball, just short of the target. It was a well-earned win for Southern Brave, who showed great teamwork, while Birmingham Phoenix were left thinking about the chances they missed in both batting and bowling.

ALSO READ: "Century se 100 run door reh gaye" – Fans react as Babar Azam trolled after duck in 2nd ODI vs West Indies

In Match 4 of The Hundred Women’s Competition 2025 at Edgbaston was a nail-biter game, with Birmingham Phoenix Women beating Trent Rockets Women by 11 runs. Phoenix chose to bat first, and Emma Lamb’s brilliant innings gave them a strong total. Nat Sciver-Brunt fought hard for the Rockets, but Phoenix’s tight bowling in the final overs sealed the win in front of a cheering home crowd.

Phoenix started slowly, with Georgia Voll scoring 19 before being dismissed by Alana King. Emma Lamb then took control, smashing 55 off 32 balls with 9 fours and a six. Ellyse Perry scored 14, while Amy Jones and Sterre Kalis made 8 and 4.

In the end, Ailsa Lister (21off 17) and Marie Kelly (23 off 10) added quick runs to take Phoenix to 148/5. Chasing 149, Rockets lost Grace Scrivens (2) early to Perry, and soon Bryony Smith (29) also fell. Captain Ashleigh Gardner (2) and Heather Graham (8) couldn’t make an impact, leaving Nat Sciver-Brunt to lead the charge.  She played a brilliant knock of 64 off 41 balls with 8 fours and a six, but wickets kept falling at the other end. Emma Jones (9) and Alana King (5) couldn’t close the gap, and Rockets ended on 137/6, 11 runs short.

ALSO READ: "Jeet bhi hui, andaaz bhi laajawaab tha"- Purani Delhi-6 Crush New Delhi Tigers by 10 runs

The third edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) concluded on March 15, 2025, leaving cricket fans in awe of the incredible talent on display. From breathtaking batting displays to game-changing bowling spells, this season showcased some of the finest performances in women’s cricket. As Mumbai Indians clinched their second title in a thrilling final against Delhi Capitals, several players emerged as the heartbeat of WPL 2025.

1. Nat Sciver-Brunt (Mumbai Indians)

Sciver-Brunt's standout performance during the WPL 2025 season single handedly led to the Mumbai Indians capturing the team’s second WPL Title. Her all around performances were at an all-time best, earning her the Orange Cap and Player of the Series after scoring an astounding 523 runs in 10 matches with an average of 65.37 and strike rate of 152.27.

 2. Amelia Kerr (Mumbai Indians) 

Kerr was outstanding with the ball as well and was sharer of the purple cap with the most wickets in the tournament at 18. In her best performance of the tournament against the UP Warriorz, Kerr bowled a true match winning spell where she claimed 5 wickets for 38 runs.

Also Read: "I Want to Win IPL 2025 for Him" – Jitesh Sharma Shares His Dream of Playing for RCB

3. Ellyse Perry (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Perry proved her batting skills yet again by scoring 372 runs in eight matches with an average of 93.00. Although Royal Challengers Bangalore ended up facing quite a few hurdles during the tournament, Perry's promise was one of those beautiful highlights.

4. Hayley Matthews (Mumbai Indians)

Hayley Matthews was a dual threat for Mumbai Indians, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. She scored 307 runs and was joint top wicket-taker with 18 wickets, playing a crucial role in Mumbai's successful campaign. 

5. Harmanpreet Kaur (Mumbai Indians)

Mumbai Indians' captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, led from the front with 302 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 154.87. Her captain's knock of 66 off 44 balls in the final against Delhi Capitals was instrumental in securing the title for her team. 

These players not only delivered individual brilliance but also elevated the overall competition, making WPL 2025 a memorable tournament.

Ellyse Perry has become the sixth woman cricketer to score 9,000 runs in T20 cricket. She reached this milestone during a match in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Perry's Performance

Perry scored an unbeaten 49 off 38 balls, hitting 5 fours and 1 six. She built key partnerships:

• 59 runs with Smriti Mandhana (53) for the second wicket.
• 53 runs with Richa Ghosh (36) for the third wicket.

WPL's Highest Run-Scorer

With 972 runs in 25 innings, Perry is now the highest run-scorer in WPL history, surpassing Meg Lanning (939 runs in 26 innings).

9,000 T20 Runs Club

Perry joins an elite group of women cricketers with 9,000 T20 runs:

• Suzie Bates
• Sophie Devine
• Beth Mooney
• Meg Lanning
• Danni Wyatt

In T20 Internationals, Perry has scored 2,109 runs for Australia at an average of 30.12.

ALSO SEE: Delhi Capitals Enhance Coaching Staff with Two New Fielding Coaches for IPL 2025

Leading WPL 2025

Perry is also the highest run-scorer in WPL 2025, with 372 runs in 8 innings at an average of 93.00 and a strike rate of 148.80. Her top score this season is 90*.

Perry's outstanding form continues to make her one of the best batters in women's T20 cricket.

Most Runs in T20Is:

Australian Star Ellyse Perry is in great form for RCB. Though her form is been skyrocketing the team's performance has been bizarre. Former WPL champions are struggling for a win which demonstrates that if they don't rise on time it will be all over for them. Interestingly Perry has been to an RCB podcast hosted by Mayanti Langer. There she was asked about the team development and the recent losses. 

The former Australian captain gives all of her answer and the values and teachings which made her here. Asked about team performance she went to say that girls have been playing good cricket but the results didn't come in our favour and too admit the area of improvements the requires in, which may help in their upcoming encounter. Its looking quite hard for RCB to move into next round. 

Read More: Mohammad Shami Urged Icc To Rescind The Ban On Using Saliva

Perry Recent Podcast

An intresting talk between the podcast Ellyse Perry says : I am not gonna say this but Maha kumbh is happening, I never even heard off, Its an amazing event that's happening off once in 144 years. Cattles and bulls around it shows the religion and culture thats always been fascinating to see, and when I see these it makes me more grateful. 

There was some cheeky question presenting over her being the prettiest cricketer, To which Perry replied haven't you seen my wrinkles right? She was asked about how her family supported her decision in her sports career. In reply, Perry says she is always been grateful to them for supporting their decisions, and for being with her in her hard times. Every single opportunity they gave me and the upbringing they always pushed us prolonged where I and my brother were on due. 

ELLYSE PERRY TALKING ABOUT THE MAHA KUMBH MELA OCCASION. ❤️🙏pic.twitter.com/JvrVPZFeeW

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 7, 2025

At that time it was about male things of playing cricket or football were going on, but they gave me everything first the gloves, the bat it was amazing feeling for me. On questioning about the game prospect, its always been the game first, no matter what or any situation you have to give your 100 percent irrespective of result. 

RCB position worsening

You have believe that you are still in the game though you are not in a winning position. Playing WPL is as challenging where every match is important and the challenge is always on upfront . She described about the first IPL too where Brenden Mccullum made 155 and set up the stage in first game itself. Playing for RCB is always fortunate the support here is amazing. 

Read More: Does Law Of Averages Suits India To Be The Potential Winners Of Champions Trophy 2025

The crowd here are always lovable each and every game is always been special. I will never forget the feeling when we won our first WPL title. But now RCB has enough concerns where they are in bottom of the table despite Perry performance rest of the team is wrencking, even the captain hasn't able to get the form right. 

It was another last-over thriller at RCB’s home ground, Mumbai Indians won their second win of the season. Meanwhile, the defending champions saw their five-match winning streak end.

RCB vs MI Highlights: Perry Shines, But Harmanpreet & Co. Clinch Thrilling Win

After choosing to bat first, Smriti Mandhana gave RCB a good start. The skipper came out with an attacking mindset, making the most runs in the powerplay. She smashed four boundaries and a six, but her quickfire knock of 26 off 13 balls ended when she mistimed a shot and got out earlier. Mumbai Indians got the breakthrough they needed and kept RCB quiet for the rest of the powerplay. MI picked up three more wickets, leaving RCB struggling at 74/4.

Packing a Punch 👊

Ellyse Perry celebrates her FIFTY in style 😎

She's currently batting on her highest individual score in #TATAWPL 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/LdJvZDcHPC

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

With four wickets down, RCB was in deep trouble. That’s when Ellyse Perry stepped in to steady innings, teaming up with Richa Ghosh to rebuild the innings in the tough times. The duo put together a much-needed 50-run partnership before Amanjot Kaur bowled out Richa just as she was starting to settle in. But Perry wasn’t done yet. She reached her fifty in just 30 balls and then shifted to attacking mode, taking on Mumbai’s bowlers in the final overs. It was yet another brilliant knock from the experienced all-rounder as she backed the RCB into the game with a stunning 81 off 43 balls.

🚨 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁#RCB get the huge wicket of Nat Sciver-Brunt, courtesy of Kim Garth ⚡️⚡️

Updates ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #TATAWPL | #RCBvMI | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/vS2uezclsA

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

Mumbai had a decent day with the ball, with Amanjot Kaur being the standout performer, picking up three wickets. However, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Hayley Matthews were a bit expensive as RCB managed 167 in their 20 overs.  Mumbai Indians came out all guns blazing in the chase, racking up 66 runs in the first six overs. Even though Yastika Bhatia fell early, they kept going strong, making it their highest powerplay score in WPL history. Nat Sciver-Brunt was the star of the show, smashing a quickfire 41 off just 18 balls and putting Mumbai in the driver’s seat.

ALSO READ: Listen Sachin Tendulkar's famous "main khelega" story

A superb chase as Mumbai Indians secure their 2️⃣nd win in a row! 🙌 🙌

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led unit bag 2️⃣ points as they beat #RCB by 4 wickets! 👏 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/WIQXj6JCt2 #TATAWPL | #RCBvMI | @mipaltan pic.twitter.com/NfA75uQzK3

— Women's Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) February 21, 2025

With the pressure building, Mumbai desperately needed a strong partnership. Harmanpreet Kaur stepped up, scoring a crucial half-century. She found great support in Amanjot Kaur, and together they put on a 62-run run for the fifth wicket, bringing Mumbai back in control.

MI was heading for an easy win, Wareham took two wickets in two balls, including Harmanpreet’s, giving RCB a real chance to fight back. But with 22 runs needed off the last 12 balls, Amanjot held her nerve and smashed two big sixes, making the chase much easier. In the end, Kamalini G hit a crisp shot through covers for a boundary to seal the win for Mumbai with four wickets against RCB.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their WPL2025 with historic run chase in the opening match against Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium in Vadodara. The defending champions chased huge target of 202 runs with nine balls remaining, with a six wicket win. Brilliant knocks from Ellyse Perry and Richa Ghosh,RCB became the first team to chase 200+ runs in any women’s franchise or domestic T20 game.

RCB Make History with Record-Breaking Chase in WPL 2025 Opener

RCB captain Smriti Mandhana won the toss and chose to bowl first. Gujarat Giants made a massive total of 201 runs. Their captain, Ashleigh Gardner, was unstoppable, smashing 79 runs off just 37 balls, including a record eight sixes. Beth Mooney (56 off 42 balls) and Deandra Dottin (25 off 23 balls) also helped with their contributions. RCB’s didn't get a good start, Gardner dismissed both Mandhana and Danielle Wyatt for low scores in the second over. But Ellyse Perry kept RCB in the game with a crucial knock of 57 off 34 balls. The real game-changer, Richa Ghosh, who played a excellent knock of 64 runs from just 27 balls. Kanika Ahuja also played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 30 off 13 balls. Their partnership of 93 runs in just 37 balls gives the World Record for RCB Woman's Team.

🚨 RCB CREATED HISTORY 🚨

- RCB become the first team to chased down 200+ runs total in WPL History. 😱 pic.twitter.com/PPW6ZvDYU4

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 14, 2025

A Record-Breaking Chase in the WPL

With this win, RCB not only set the record for the highest run chase in WPL history but also became the first women’s team to chase 200+ runs in any domestic or franchise T20 match. 

ALSO READ: Australia Masters Squad Announced: Shane Watson set to Lead in IML 2025

In the crucial second WODI of the three-match series, Australia Women set a new WODI record for the highest total against India Women with the help of four 50+ scores, including two centuries.

Leading the WODI series by 1-0, Aussie captain Tahila McGrath chose to bat first at Brisbane. They got a strong start and scored 371/8 in 50 overs. It was the highest WODI total for any team against India Women. The previous record was 338/7 by Australia Women in 2024 Wankhede WODI. It was also the joint 13th-highest total in WODI history. 

Australia Women started with a century partnership

Aussie openers Phoebe Litchfield and Georgia Voll had a 130-run first-wicket partnership. While Litchfield scored 60 off 63 balls (eight fours and one six), Voll continued her batting with Ellyse Perry. 

Watch: Unstoppable Rishabh Pant playing stunning shots under pressure

Georgia Voll and Ellyse Perry scored centuries

In her second WODI, the 21-year-old Voll hit a memorable century. While she completed her 50 in 43 balls, the right-handed batter completed her first WODI hundred in 84 balls. By scoring the century at the age of 21 years and 125 days, Voll became the third youngest Australia Women batter to record the first WODI hundred. She had a 92-run partnership for the second wicket before Saima Thakor took her second wicket of the match by dismissing Voll for 101 in 87 balls (12 fours). 

Ellyse Perry and Beth Mooney had another 98-run partnership for the third wicket. Perry, who completed 50 runs, completed her third WODI hundred in 72 balls. After scoring two WODI centuries in 2019, Perry scored her first WODI century in five years. 

While Perry scored 105 off 75 balls (seven fours and six sixes), Mooney scored 56 off 44 balls with the help of eight fours. 

Four batters scored 50+ runs

The Indian bowlers controlled the slog overs by taking wickets, but the Aussie skipper Tahila McGrath had a cameo of 20 not out in 12 balls. While all the top four batters scored 50+ runs, it was the sixth time in the WODI history that a team's first four batters scored 50+ runs in a WODI innings.  

WODI debutant took two wickets

Among the Indian bowlers, Shaima Thakor (3/62) picked up three wickets, while the WODI debutant Minnu Mani (2/71) got two wickets. 

At just 15 years old, Caoimhe Bray has made an unforgettable debut in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for the Sydney Sixers, claiming a wicket and hitting the winning runs to secure victory. Bray, now the youngest player in WBBL history, has drawn praise from her longtime idol and mentor on the field, Ellyse Perry, who called her "a really special kid" after her impressive performance. For Bray, this debut was a dream realized, as she followed in the footsteps of Perry, whom she has admired since childhood.

A star debut

Emerging young cricketer Caoimhe Bray made her debut unforgettable, not only because of her impressive all-round skills but also due to the high praise from her childhood idol, Ellyse Perry. Bray, who played her first WBBL game for the Sydney Sixers, found herself taking on veteran batter Deandra Dottin in her opening over. Though Dottin hit her for a six on the first ball, Bray held her nerve and delivered a perfect yorker to claim the wicket by the end of the over. Later, with 32 runs needed, Bray strode in to hit a boundary off her second ball and ultimately drove the winning runs. Reflecting on the debut, Perry, who handed Bray her cap at the Adelaide Oval, said, “For a 15-year-old to hit a ball over extra cover to win the game is amazing… She’s a really special kid.”

For Bray, the moment held extra significance, as Perry has long been her inspiration. “I don’t think it’s scary or overwhelming being compared to her,” she shared. “I just try to do my best, and it’s super cool that people are even saying it.”

15 YEARS OLD!

Caoimhe Bray's debut wicket in the WBBL is Deandra Dottin 😱 #WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/pl8a3ez4hi

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Imagine being 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray and Ellyse Perry has just called you a legend!#WBBL10 pic.twitter.com/CJWpb6n5Yz

— Weber Women's Big Bash League (@WBBL) October 27, 2024

Balancing two sports, Bray eyes cricket and soccer future

Despite her early cricket success, Bray remains equally passionate about soccer, where she has represented the Junior Matildas. The young allrounder hopes to continue both sports for as long as she can, even as her three-year contract with the Sixers unfolds. Bray is committed to balancing her training and schoolwork, living in Coogee for the duration of the competition, with family visiting regularly. The New South Wales prodigy’s journey began in her local junior club at eight, and she continues to rise, recently making headlines with a standout performance in the Australia Under-19 squad.

Reflecting on her rapid ascent, Bray commented, “It’s come around really quickly… I haven’t been home much either, but I love doing sports.” For now, her focus remains on learning from each opportunity, and with Perry’s encouragement, Bray’s trajectory looks nothing short of inspiring.

Though the T20 format has seen a recent spike in the batter's performances, it has not always been one-sided. As they say, there are two sides to a coin; the bowlers are one of the prominent faces of the game, which enhances the thrill and intensity amongst cricket fanatics.

And this can be vividly seen in both the worlds of cricket, men & women. With the upcoming 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, here is the list of the top five wicket-takers of the tournament. 

1.Shabnim Ismail (South Africa): 43 Wickets

Shabnim Ismail tops the list for being the highest wicket-taker across all Women's T20 World Cup editions. Ismail is prominent for her quick and hostile pace, which gave nightmares to several women's cricket circle batters.

Before she announced her retirement in 2023, she was the pillar of South Africa's bowling department. In her tournament stint, she has taken 43 wickets in 32 matches at a commendable economy of 5.38, with her best bowling figure of 3/5. 

2. Anya Shrubsole (England): 41 Wickets

Anya Shrubsole is prominent for her pace and inswingers, which helped her scalp some wickets for her hat for the team. Her bowling at speeds of 70mph plus, combined with the ability to swing the ball both ways, proved supremely effective.

Unsurprisingly, she sealed the second spot for the most wickets a bowler took in the Women's T20 World Cup. In just 27 matches, she has scalped 41 wickets at a noteworthy 5.32 economy, with 3/6 being her best bowling figures.

3. Megan Schutt (Australia): 40 Wickets

Megan Schutt is well-known for her numerous strikeouts with inswinging pitches. She also made history in 2019 by becoming the first female bowler to record two international hat-tricks in both the Women's T20I and ODI formats.

Her records demonstrate the value she contributes to the ball, and Schutt will be seeking to make the most of her performance for the Australian team. In her 24-match tournament tenure, she has taken 40 wickets at an economy of six, with 4/18 being her best figures.

Also Read: 2024 Women's T20 World Cup: Top-5 players with the most runs in Women's T20 World Cup

4. Ellyse Perry (Australia): 40 Wickets

Ellyse Perry exemplifies consistency and quality in women's cricket. Perry is a senior all-rounder whose ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes her one of Australia's most dependable players. Her expertise in high-pressure circumstances is vital, and her presence brings serenity to the Australian team.

She has had an impact with the ball, including the willow, and is now the third equal best wicket-taker in the Women's T20 World Cup, behind Megan Schutt. In 42 matches, she has 40 wickets at an economy rate of 5.79, with 3/12 being her best figures. 

5. Stefanie Taylor (West Indies): 33 Wickets

Stefanie Taylor is among the finest all-rounders in the women's cricketing business. She can be a proper jack of all trades, from being a game-changer with the bat to deceiving the opponent batters with the ball. Also, she happens to be the only spinner who makes it to the list of top wicket-takers amongst all pacers.

For instance, she has been simultaneously ranked first in both batting and bowling lists. In her ongoing tournament stint of 33 matches, she has scalped 31 wickets at an economy of 5.95, with best figures of 4/12.