LS vs BP: Matthew Wade stars in Phoenix's nerve-wracking victory over Spirit

Birmingham Phoenix (PC: Twitter)

Birmingham Phoenix prevailed by one wicket against London Spirit in Match 30 of the Men's Hundred Competition at Lord's. 

Following the result of this fixture, Trent Rockets have qualified for the Finals, while Spirit made it to the Eliminators. On the other hand, Phoenix might have missed out on the playoff spot. 

Ravi Bopara boosts Spirit to a strong total

Batting first, Spirit lost their opener, Adam Rossington (6) early to Tom Helm. Although Crawley managed to stay at the crease, he took 29 balls to score 20 runs before being a victim to Helm. 

Ravi Bopara hit five sixes in his knock of 45 (PC: Twitter)

Ben McDermott continued his good form to contribute 36 off 29, to set a platform for the middle-order. Then, the terrific knock of Ravi Bopara (45 off 20) paved the way for Spirit to post 139 on the board. 

Helm finished with figures of 4/17 in his designated quota of 20 balls. 

Matthew Wade's quickfire knock ensures Phoenix win

Wade scored 81 off 42 balls (PC: Twitter)

Coming into the second half with momentum, Spirit spinner Liam Dawson produced a double strike to send Will Smeed (1) and Sol Budinger (0) back to the pavilion. 

Experienced players like Moeen Ali (11) and Chris Benjamin (0) fell to Jordan Thompson to put added pressure on the team. 

However, Matthew Wade's produced a one-man show to lit the Home of Cricket with his extravagant shots. He slammed 81 off 42, laced with 11 fours and two maximums. 

Afterwards, Helm (11*) and Tanveer Sangha (13*) were calm and composed to take the team on the last ball. 

Crane was pick of the bowlers for Spirit with four scalps. 

Brief Scores: 

London Spirit- 139/6 (100b)

Ravi Bopara 45 (20), Ben McDermott 36 (29);
Tom Helm 4/17

Birmingham Phoenix - 140/9 (100b)

Matthew Wade 81 (42), Tanveer Sangha 13* (9);
Mason Crane 4/24

Result: Phoenix won by 1 wicket

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