The Hundred Women 2022: Jones, Molineux steals the show as Birmingham Phoenix prevails over Northern Superchargers by five runs

Amy Jones (PC: Twitter)

In the 11th match of the women's edition of the Hundred, Birmingham Phoenix defeated Northern Superchargers by a close margin of 5 runs to help them climb up to the top of the table, continuing their undefeated run in the competition.

Asked to bat on a Friday afternoon in Edgbaston, skipper Sophie Devine (19) along with Evelyn Jones (34) led Birmingham Phoenix to a decent start before losing former wicket on 37. 

In came wicketkeeper Amy Jones, whose fiery knock of 48 from just 28 deliveries, hitting eight fours along the way, aided in forming a 67-run stand with Evelyn for the second wicket. Sophie Molineux (24) with Ellyse Perry (22) provided the finishing touches to assist the Birmingham-based side to cruise to 153 by the end of their innings. 

Medium pacer Alice Davidson Richards was the pick of the bowlers, scalping three crucial wickets of Devine, Amy and Molineux in her allotted 20 deliveries.

Molineux proved to be the difference between the two sides

Alyssa Healy (46) gave Headingley's side a magnificent start by striking seven fours, and a six before Molineux's left-arm orthodox spin got her stumped on the 45th ball. Gaby Lewis (16), who opened the innings, didn't stay too long on the crease after her partner's departure, losing her wicket within the next three deliveries.

Laura Wolvaardt (32) and skipper Hollie Armitage (31) gave their innings the much-needed revival by constructing a 53-run stand to power their side to 133. 

The former departed on the 92nd delivery, and soon their captain left with Superchargers requiring 18 off the last four deliveries with Jenny Gunn on strike, but all she could manage was 12, finding her team short by five runs.

Sophie Molineux bowled exceptionally well to claim the player of the match award by giving away just 11 runs from 20 balls she bowled, also getting two wickets.

Brief Scores: 

Birmingham Phoenix Women: 153/4 (100b)

Amy Jones 48 (28), Evelyn Jones 34 (30);
Davidson Richards 3/30 (20), Katie Levick 1/14 (15)

Northern Superchargers Women: 148/5 (100b)

Alyssa Healy 46 (28), Laura Wolvaardt 32 (24);
Sophie Molineux 2/11 (20), Abtaha Maqsood 1/20 (15)

Match Result: Birmingham Phoenix Women won by 5 runs.

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