By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Amy Jones hit her first half century in The Hundred and followed it up with a record breaking performance behind the stumps, leading Birmingham Phoenix to a 16 run victory over Southern Brave in the women's competition. Jones scored 51 off 36 balls, with Emily Arlott adding a quick 22 from 12 balls, helping Phoenix reach a total of 137 7.
Tilly Corteen Coleman was the standout bowler for Brave, taking 2 to 22 with her left to arm spin at Edgbaston. Phoenix captain Ellyse Perry dismantled Brave's top order with figures of 3 to 21, including the key dismissals of Maia Bouchier and Smriti Mandhana. Despite Danni Wyatt's resilient 43 off 33 balls and Freya Kemp's 23, Brave fell short, being bowled out for 121.
Jones set a new record for wicketkeeper dismissals in the women's tournament, with six catches. This victory moves Phoenix to fifth place in the standings, while Brave remains winless and at the bottom after four matches. Both Perry and Charis Pavely achieved their best bowling figures in The Hundred, with Perry's 3 to 21 and Pavely's 3 to 21.
Jones' half century came in her 26th match in The Hundred, surpassing her previous best score of 48 against Welsh Fire. Arlott's 22 matched her highest score in the tournament. Reflecting on the win, Jones said, "It's always good to come through for the team on a personal level, and to get a win on the board is a really great feeling. Emily Arlott's innings was the difference, and Perry's start with the ball was unbelievable. Our fielding was top notch, supporting our bowlers perfectly."
In other news, Sunday's fixtures in The Hundred feature London Spirit against Oval Invincibles at Lord's, and Northern Superchargers versus Manchester Originals at Headingley.
