Jonassen Shines as Welsh Fire Secure First Win of the Season in Women's Hundred
Australian allrounder Jess Jonassen produced a stellar all-round performance to help Welsh Fire claim their first victory of the 2025 Women’s Hundred season, defeating Birmingham Phoenix by 36 runs at Edgbaston.
After five consecutive losses, Fire finally broke their winless streak in dominant fashion, thanks to Jonassen’s explosive 44 off just 17 balls and a three-wicket haul that left the Phoenix reeling in their chase of 151.
Despite losing captain Tammy Beaumont early to a trademark Megan Schutt inswinger, Fire recovered swiftly. A composed 71-run second-wicket stand between Sophia Dunkley (53 off 43) and Hayley Matthews (34* off 33) laid the platform for a strong total.
Dunkley’s dismissal—bowled while attempting a sweep against Hannah Baker—brought Jonassen to the crease, and the experienced left-hander wasted no time. She hammered four consecutive sixes off Baker’s final set, propelling Fire to a formidable 150 for 3.
In reply, Birmingham Phoenix’s innings faltered from the outset. Shabnim Ismail (3 for 16) struck twice in her opening set, dismissing Emma Lamb for a second-ball duck and trapping Marie Kelly lbw shortly after.
Though Australians Georgia Voll (29 off 18) and Ellyse Perry (53 off 43) tried to revive the chase, Jonassen’s flight and control proved too much for Voll, who was bowled attempting to counter-attack. Matthews (3 for 21) then removed Amy Jones for a golden duck, and Phoenix never recovered.
Perry fought valiantly for her maiden fifty of the tournament, but once she fell to Ismail, caught by Georgia Elwiss at mid-off, the Phoenix collapsed. Sterre Kalis (15) and Ailsa Lister fell in similar fashion—caught at long-on off Jonassen—handing her a third wicket.
The Phoenix ultimately stumbled to 114 for 9, slumping to the bottom of the table with just one win from six matches.
“We've been searching for a win all season. It's nice that things clicked today,” said Jonassen after the match. “We were probably just letting ourselves down a little with the bat, more so than anything. It’s really nice to get a win, but there’s still more to improve on. We’re looking forward to getting back to Cardiff for our next game.”
For Welsh Fire, this long-awaited victory brings renewed hope and momentum heading into their remaining fixtures, while Birmingham Phoenix’s slim chances of reaching the Eliminator are now virtually extinguished.
Match Summary:
Welsh Fire: 150 for 3 (Dunkley 53, Jonassen 44, Matthews 34*)
Birmingham Phoenix: 114 for 9 (Perry 53, Ismail 3-16, Matthews 3-21, Jonassen 3-24)
Result: Welsh Fire won by 36 runs