That is it from this game! Birmingham Phoenix continues to fly high and have now gone top of the table with this all-round magical performance. The fire seems to be going down with the Welsh Fire and they will want to bounce back in the next game. The action in The Hundred continues on Tuesday, 10th August 2021. Manchester Originals take on London Spirit. The Women's game begins at 1500 local (1400 GMT). While the Men's game begins at 1830 local (1730 GMT). Make sure you join us then. Till then goodbye!
Ben Duckett, the skipper of Welsh Fire, says that their batting was really good. Adds that they kept losing wickets throughout and never found momentum. Says that they have not won a game under his captaincy, but he has tried to keep his smile and the best that they can hope for is to win the next two games.
The skipper of Birmingham Phoenix, Moeen Ali says that it was good and he is pleased. Adds that the pitch is good and they did well. Goes onto say it was a good toss to lose and they wanted to win while defending. Adds that they have a good batting lineup and they just look to keep it simple.
IMRAN TAHIR IS THE HERO OF THE MATCH. He says that their batters set the tone for them and the seamers did well too. Adds that it has been difficult as the pitches have been flat. Goes onto say that coming up here is a great feeling and is grateful for the fans who come and support them. Adds that he does not take things for granted and representing this team is an honour.
Earlier in the day, the win was set up by the home side's batters. Birmingham Phoenix were asked to bat and they were just brilliant with the willow. On the back of Smeed's unbeaten 65, Moeen Ali magnificent 59, and valuable contribution from Livingstone, Birmingham Phoenix managed to get 184, the highest total of The Hundred so far! It proved to be too much for Welsh Fire as the visitors could not even get close to the target.
A fantastic bowling display from Birmingham Phoenix. They had a lot of runs to play with, but never did they take it for granted. It was a collective effort from the bowlers. Imran Tahir will take the headlines and was rightfully the star of the show, as he became the first bowler to get a hat-trick in The Hundred. He topped it off with a 5-fer. Howell was impressive too as he finished with 2 wickets. Milne, Brown, and Moeen Ali all got into the wickets column too.
Chasing a massive total of 185, Welsh Fire needed a hot start. But what they got was a very cold one. They could never get going and kept losing wickets at regular intervals. The away side could just not get going and never got over the required run rate. Ian Cockbain's 32 was the standout but that too was not a fluent knock. A sorry display from Welsh Fire and their season looks to be in a dire state now.
What a way to finish the game! What a way to get to the top of the table. Imran Tahir finishes the game with a hat-trick. The first one of The Hundred! It also sees the Birmingham Phoenix go to the top of the table. He leads the side out of the field as he also tops the hat-trick with a 5-fer! They are certainly proving the team to beat. A timid display from Welsh Fire and their downward spiral continues!
WELSH FIRE
91/10 (14.4)
32 (25)
16 (10)
5/25 (3.4)
2/12 (4)
Over 15
1
W
W
W
David Payne*
0 (1)
Luke Fletcher
2 (3)
Imran Tahir
5/25 (3.4)
WEF
91/10
W
74
Imran Tahir to David Payne ,OUT! BOWLED 'EM! IMRAN TAHIR GETS A HAT-TRICK! Oh, my word. What a sight. Tahir has set Edgbaston alight and the fans are loving it. Man, this lad has the energy of a 20-year old. Imran Tahir bowls a flatter googly around off, the ball turns back in as David Payne looks to defend. He misses and the timber behind is destroyed. A beautiful way to end this game. BIRMINGHAM PHOENIX WIN BY 93 RUNS!
David Payne comes out as the last man in.
W
73
Imran Tahir to Matt Milnes ,OUT! LBW! Imran Tahir goes for a marathon run here! He is also on a hat-trick! Floats this one up and darts it on middle, Matt Milnes looks for the paddle sweep but misses. An appeal and the finger goes up. Birmingham Phoenix need just one more!
Matt Milnes is the next man in.
W
72
Imran Tahir to Qais Ahmad ,OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust. Smeed takes the catch and this young man can do no wrong tonight. Imran Tahir serves it fuller and outside off, Qais Ahmad gets low and looks to hit this one hard to the leg side, but the ball takes the top edge and goes high towards mid off. Will Smeed makes no mistake.
1
71
Imran Tahir to Luke Fletcher ,Short on middle, pulled to deep square leg for one.
Imran Tahir is back on.
Over 14
W
0
1
0
0
Qais Ahmad*
1 (3)
Luke Fletcher
1 (2)
Benny Howell
2/12 (4)
WEF
90/7
0
70
Benny Howell to Qais Ahmad ,Another slower ball, outside off, another swing and a miss. 95 needed in 30 balls.
0
69
Benny Howell to Qais Ahmad ,Slower ball, outside off, Ahmad swings but misses.