London Spirit, after being put into bat by Birmingham Phoenix, struggled to build momentum, posting a modest total of 127/7 in their allotted 100 balls. The innings started poorly with Daniel Bell-Drummond falling for 6 and Adam Rossington managing just 1 before being caught by Mousley off Sean Abbott’s bowling.
Michael Pepper provided a brief spark with 16 runs off 12 balls, but his efforts were cut short by Abbott. The top order continued to falter, with captain Dan Lawrence being bowled by Abbott for just 1 and Ryan Higgins departing for a duck.
Shimron Hetmyer attempted to stabilize the innings, scoring 16 off 16 balls, but his dismissal by Benny Howell further dented London Spirit’s hopes. Liam Dawson and Andre Russell, however, mounted a late recovery. Dawson scored a steady 36 off 34 balls, while Russell played a crucial knock of 37 not out off just 20 balls, including a flurry of boundaries towards the end.
Sean Abbott was the standout bowler for Birmingham Phoenix, claiming 4 wickets for just 14 runs. Tim Southee also contributed significantly, taking 2/16 in his 20 balls.
Chasing 128, Birmingham Phoenix had a shaky start, losing four wickets within the first 25 balls. Rishi Patel was the first to go, caught by Dawson off Olly Stone for 3. Aneurin Donald followed shortly after, falling to Daniel Worrall for 1. Liam Livingstone was run out for 4, and captain Moeen Ali was caught behind off Worrall for a duck, leaving Phoenix in trouble at 20/4.
Dan Mousley and Jacob Bethell then put on a crucial partnership, with Mousley scoring 39 off 38 balls and Bethell smashing 43 off 27 balls. Their efforts steadied the innings and brought Phoenix closer to the target.
Benny Howell played a match-winning cameo, scoring 24 not out off 12 balls, ensuring Phoenix crossed the finish line with one ball to spare despite losing James Fuller for 6 and Sean Abbott contributing a quick 3.
In a thrilling contest at Lord’s, Birmingham Phoenix edged out London Spirit by 3 wickets with just one ball to spare. Sean Abbott’s exceptional bowling and crucial late-order batting efforts from Benny Howell ensured Phoenix’s victory in a tightly contested match.
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