The race for playoff spots in the women's Hundred is heating up as the Birmingham Phoenix gear up to take on the Trent Rockets. With both teams tied in the middle of the table with 6 points each, the stakes couldn't be higher. With only two games left in the season, a loss for either team could spell disaster for their playoff hopes.
LAST FIVE MATCHES RESULTSBIRMINGHAM PHOENIX: L W W L W
TRENT ROCKETS: L L L W W
LIKELY PLAYING XIsBIRMINGHAM PHOENIX LIKELY XIBatters: Sterre Kalis, Fran Wilson
Allrounders: Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry
Wicketkeeper: Amy Jones, Richa Ghosh, Seren Smale
Bowlers: Emily Arlott, Charis Pavely, Hannah Baker, Katie Levick
TRENT ROCKETS LIKELY XIBatters: Bryony Smith, Grace Scrivens
Allrounders: Nat Sciver-Brunt, Ashleigh Gardner, Heather Graham, Katie George, Alexa
Stonehouse
Wicketkeeper: Natasha Wraith
Bowlers: Alana King, Josie Groves, Kirstie Gordon
STATISTICAL PERFORMANCE (BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX)1. ELLYSE PERRYEllyse Perry has had a few tough games, but is still a key batter for the Phoenix. She has 153 runs in 6 innings, including 66 off 34 against the Rockets earlier in the tournament. The Phoenix captain also has 7 wickets in the last 3 matches.
INNINGS: 12
RUNS: 287
AVERAGE: 28.7
STRIKE RATE: 133.49
50s/100s: 3/0
2. KATIE LEVICKKatie Levick was back amongst the wickets with two scalps in the previous match. She now has 9 wickets in 6 innings in this edition of the tournament.
INNINGS: 26
WICKETS: 33
STRIKE RATE: 14.61
ECONOMY RATE: 5.55
AVERAGE: 16.21
Players who can make a difference (BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX)1. Sterre KalisThe Dutch batter scored a half-century in the previous match, and has been scoring runs albeit at a slow rate.
2. Emily ArlottEmily Arlott has taken 5 wickets in the last 3 matches, including two significant wickets to seal the win against Welsh Fire.
STATISTICAL PERFORMANCE (TRENT ROCKETS)1. NATALIE SCIVER-BRUNTNat Sciver-Brunt has been one of the best batters in the Women’s Hundred, and has been key to the success of the Trent Rockets so far.
INNINGS: 26
RUNS: 933
AVERAGE: 51.83
STRIKE RATE: 138.43
50s/100s: 7/0
2. HEATHER GRAHAMHeather Graham has been an excellent all-round option for Trent Rockets, taking 8 wickets and having one of the best batting strike-rates in the tournament so far.
INNINGS: 16
WICKETS: 16
STRIKE RATE: 15.81
ECONOMY RATE: 5.85
AVERAGE: 18.50
Players who can make a difference (TRENT ROCKETS)1. Grace ScrivensAfter a tough patch, young opener Grace Scrivens is back amongst the runs with 91 runs in the last two matches. Phoenix will want her to keep improving her strike-rate.
2. Alana KingAlana King’s spin will be an important part of the game for Trent Rockets. She has been economical in the Hundred, and will need to continue to be so in this match.
TEAMS HEAD TO HEAD RECORDIn 5 matches, both Phoenix and Rockets have won 2 matches, with 1 no result. Phoenix also beat Rockets earlier this season.
MATCHES: 5
BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX WON: 2
TRENT ROCKETS WON: 2
NO RESULT: 1
VENUE AND PITCHEdgbaston is a pitch that will support the fast bowlers in both teams, but will allow batters to attack spinners. The average score in the first innings in 12 matches has been 135, and 120 in the second innings.
MATCH PREDICTIONIt is likely to be a hard-fought contest between two teams seeking a playoff berth, but Rockets should have enough batting firepower to get a win on the road. Trent Rockets has a 60% chance of victory.
FANTASY XIBatters: Sterre Kalis, Grace Scrivens, Bryony Smith
Allrounders: Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Graham
Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh
Bowlers: Emily Arlott, Alana King, Katie Levick
BACKUP PLAYERS:
Batters: Bryony Smith,
Allrounder: Alexa Stonehouse
Bowler: Josie Groves
Stay informed with the latest updates on live cricket score, cricket players, match schedules and ICC rankings. Keep an eye on your favourite cricket team, including the stellar performances of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Check out the cricket schedule, track team standings and dive into player stats and rankings on Crickit, powered by Hindustan Times website and app.