Record-Breaking Spirit Crush Phoenix by 88 Runs to Go Joint-Top in The Hundred
London Spirit produced a stunning all-round performance to thrash Birmingham Phoenix by a record 88 runs – the largest margin of victory in the history of The Hundred – and move joint-top of the women’s standings alongside Southern Brave.
Riding on a scintillating 69 off just 35 balls from opener Kira Chathli and a blistering cameo from Grace Harris, Spirit posted an imposing 164 for 6 before dismantling Phoenix for just 76 in reply.
Chathli, named the Meerkat Match Hero, was the standout performer, smashing 13 boundaries in a commanding innings that underpinned Spirit’s total. She shared a match-defining 47-run stand in just 21 balls with Harris, whose explosive 34 off 15 included four sixes and lifted the Spirit innings into high gear after early setbacks.
Phoenix's Emily Arlott continued her strong tournament, taking 3 for 25 to join Lauren Bell at the top of the wicket charts, but her efforts were in vain as Spirit’s middle order took control.
In reply, Phoenix collapsed under pressure, losing three wickets in the first 33 balls and never recovering. Their top order — including big names Ellyse Perry and Georgia Voll — failed to fire once again, contributing single-digit scores in a dismal chase.
Only Emma Lamb showed some resistance with 23, but the rest of the lineup was unable to handle the precision and intensity of Spirit’s bowling unit. Bex Tyson and Issy Wong were tight and probing with the new ball, while captain Charlie Dean led by example with a tidy 2 for 16, including the key wicket of England teammate Amy Jones.
Spirit's dominance with both bat and ball leaves Phoenix languishing near the bottom of the table with just one win from five matches, all but ending their hopes of progressing.
Post-match, Chathli reflected on her best performance yet in the competition:
"They bowled well early on, but the key is to give yourself a few balls, then it gets easier. We just focus on what we do well — playing positive cricket. Every member of our team backs each other to deliver."
With the business end of the tournament approaching, Spirit are building momentum at just the right time, while Phoenix are left to rue a campaign filled with missed opportunities and underwhelming performances from key players.
Match Summary:
London Spirit – 164 for 6 (Chathli 69, Harris 34, Arlott 3-25)
Birmingham Phoenix – 76 all out (Lamb 23, Gray 2-13, Dean 2-16)
London Spirit won by 88 runs – biggest win margin in the history of The Hundred.