Birmingham Phoenix secured their first win in The Hundred 2026 women's competition by defeating Welsh Fire with just one ball remaining. Playing at Edgbaston, Phoenix were bottom of the table with only two points before the match. Welsh Fire batted first, posting 144 from 100 balls, thanks to Georgia Voll's 78 off 55 deliveries. However, the joint effort of Elysse Perry and Alice Capsey proved decisive, with Perry scoring 68no and Capsey contributing 51. Phoenix needed 10 runs from three balls, but Perry's six over deep mid-wicket and a subsequent four through point sealed the victory.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Perry highlighted the team's resilience: 'We timed it well at the end to get over the line.' Alice Capsey's captaincy was praised for her outstanding batting. This win marked a turning point for Phoenix, who had previously lost to Southern Brave, Trent Rockets, and faced a rain-affected game against Manchester Super Giants. The result lifted them to fifth in the table, while Welsh Fire dropped to seventh.

Investor Jude Bellingham, who holds a 1.2 per cent stake in Phoenix, attended the match. His presence underscores the growing commercial interest in the competition. Bellingham, also associated with English and Real Madrid, emphasized the importance of partnerships in the win. Perry noted Capsey's role: 'The way Alice batted today was outstanding.' The victory came in a tightly contested game, with Phoenix's bowling restricting Welsh Fire effectively before the crucial late overs.

The Hundred 2026 women's competition continues, with finals scheduled for August 16. Phoenix's performance against Welsh Fire demonstrates their competitive edge despite a challenging start to the season.