That is all from this game. The group stage ends here and now it's business time. Just three games remaining in the Hundred. First, it is time for the Eliminator. Birmingham Phoenix will face Southern Brave on the 17th of this month at 10.30 pm IST (5 pm GMT) but before that the Women's will be in action. Oval Invincibles Women will face London Spirit Women at 6.45 pm IST (1.15 pm GMT). You can join us earlier for the build up of the Eliminator. Till then, cheers!
Adam Milne wins the Player of the Match award. He says that there is a bit of weather around but getting the win in a shortened game and qualifying for the playoffs is a good feeling. Adds that there was a bit of help for the bowlers and he just tried to mix things up. Says that he loves playing in Birmingham as there is always something for the pacers, and he also acknowledges the fans for their excellent support.
Jamie Smith was promoted up the order alongside Duckett to open the innings and inside 18 balls they scored 35 runs to put the game to the bed. Birmingham Phoenix just needed a point to reach the Eliminator but this win and this game helps them grow more in confidence and keep rolling with the momentum they have been carrying on. They finish the group stages with four wins in as many games. A massive upside going into the Eliminator. Stay tuned for the presentation.
A thumping win for Birmingham Phoenix though. Bowling first, Birmingham Phoenix's ace bowlers once again produced a wonderful performance. Milne, Southee, Abbott and Wood all ended with a wicket at least in a 30-ball match. They have gelled so well that their bowling department is one of the most dangerous sides in the tournament. Manchester Originals had to bat under difficult conditions. Firstly, their players were underperforming and on top had to adjust to the moving ball which just made it difficult for them. In the end, they just ended with a mere 41 runs.
Birmingham Phoenix eventually made it to the Eliminator. As if there was any doubt. With or without rain, it was written all over the stars but after a long rain halt and a 30-ball contest, we finally have the answer.
In over# 5
6
1
Scott Currie 8/1(1.2)
22
6
SIX! BANG! Moeen Ali finishes things off in style! Scott Currie bangs in a bouncer but down the leg side, Moeen Ali swivels a bit and hooks it away, it flies off the bat and goes well over the fine leg fence for a biggie. Birmingham Phoenix wins by 9 wickets and qualifies for the playoffs.
21
1
On a length and on middle, Ben Duckett steers it through point for a single. Birmingham Phoenix one big hit away from the win!
In over# 4
0
0
0W
1
0
Scott Currie 1/1(1)
20
.
Back of a length and around off, Moeen Ali punches it straight to extra covers. Just one run off the set and a wicket as well. 7 needed in 10 now!
19
.
Short of a length and just outside off, anling away, Moeen Ali misses his cut.
OUT! TAKEN! Scott Currie gets a wicket here! He bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Jamie Smith backs away and looks to cut it away, but just fails to get underneath the ball fully and mistimes it aerially straight down the throat of Sikandar Raza at deep point who makes no mistake. Smith goes back after a nice little cameo!
18
W
OUT! TAKEN! Scott Currie gets a wicket here! He bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Jamie Smith backs away and looks to cut it away, but just fails to get underneath the ball fully and mistimes it aerially straight down the throat of Sikandar Raza at deep point who makes no mistake. Smith goes back after a nice little cameo!
17
1
Short of a length and on middle, Ben Duckett pulls it away through mid-wicket for a single. Birmingham Phoenix needs 7 more runs to win now.
16
.
Hard-length delivery around off, shaping away sharply, slower as well, Ben Duckett gets deceived by the lack of pace and misses it. It was close to being a wide.
In over# 3
4
0
4
4
6
Tom Aspinwall 18/0(1)
15
4
FOUR! That's just a freebie! A juicy full toss from Tom Aspinwall, on off, Ben Duckett extends his arms nicely and bludgeons it away past mid off for four more runs. 18 runs off the over and it is Birmingham Phoenix's to lose now.
14
.
Back of a length and outside off, keeps a bit low, Ben Duckett tries to cut it away but misses.
13
4
FOUR MORE! Ben Duckett do not want to waste any time here! Tom Aspinwall serves this full and outside off, Ben Duckett reaches for it nicely and carves it away, it flies off the middle of the bat, lands wide of deep point and skids away to the fence for a boundary.