In The Hundred women’s tournament, at the Emirates Old Trafford
Birmingham Phoenix 87 (96 balls): Devine scored 27 (25); Morris recorded 5-7, Ecclestone had 4-11
Manchester Originals 91-5 (99 balls): Wolvaardt netted 38 (34); Levick got 2-12
Manchester Originals triumphed by five wickets
Scorecard; Table
Fi Morris achieved the highest figures in The Hundred, leading Manchester Originals to a five-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix.
Morris boasted a record-breaking 5-7, the best figures in both women’s and men’s competitions, while Sophie Ecclestone finished with 4-11, resulting in the Phoenix being bowled out for 87 at Old Trafford.
Despite struggling to reach their modest target, with the scoreline falling from 69-1 to 85-5 following Laura Wolvaardt’s departure after a magnificent 38 from 34 balls, Kathryn Bryce’s boundary from the second last ball confirmed the win.
This victory marked Originals’ first completed game of the current competition, after their initial two matches were rained off, whereas the Phoenix are yet to taste victory.
Morris surpassed the former overall record of 5-13 set by Originals men’s bowler Josh Little the previous year, while Marizanne Kapp from Oval Invincibles held the best women’s record with 4-9, established in 2021.
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Sophie Devine was the only Phoenix player to score above 20, with Eve Jones and Abbey Freeborn being the only others to achieve double figures.
Morris claimed a wicket with her opening delivery, which was also her first ball for the Originals, having transferred from the Welsh Fire.
Young Mahika Gaur, aged 17, put up a strong performance with the new ball, conceding a mere 18 runs from her allowed 20 balls.
All 10 Phoenix wickets were taken by the Originals’ spinners, with new member Amanda-Jade Wellington also taking a wicket.
Originals’ opening batter, Emma Lamb, was caught behind from the first ball of their chase by Tess Flintoff – the only pace bowler to claim a wicket in the match.
‘Fi is an exceptional player’ – reactions
Manchester Originals’ star player, spinner Fi Morris: “The pitch was somewhat slow and low, definitely not ideal for batters. We understood how to play here and just stuck to our strengths, relying heavily on spin and it worked out.
“It was a tough chase towards the end but clinching the victory was incredible.”
Manchester Originals’ captain Sophie Ecclestone, in an interview with Sky Sports: “It was nerve-wracking going out to bat as we haven’t played for quite some time. We just managed to edge it but we will take away lessons from that.
“Fi bowled incredibly well, she deserves all the praise she’s receiving. She’s a phenomenal player and puts in a great deal of effort.”
Originals Dominate Phoenix to Secure Initial Win
More about Manchester Originals Victory
- The Hundred Tournament Official Site
- Manchester Originals Official Site
- Birmingham Phoenix Official Site
- Fi Morris Player Profile
- Sophie Ecclestone Player Profile
2 comments
Sophie deserves a mention too…4-11 isn’t a small feat… she’s just as amazing!!!
Spinners are dominating in the Hundred, pace bowlers need to step up there game!