London Spirit crush Birmingham Phoenix by record margin

London Spirit crushed Birmingham Phoenix by 88 runs, the heaviest defeat margin in The Women's Hundred, to move to the top of the table on net run rate. For Phoenix, it was their fourth defeat in five matches, leaving them languishing near the bottom of the table.

Having opted to bat, Spirit were led by an outstanding innings from opener Kira Chathli, who smashed 69 off 35 balls with 13 boundaries. After a slow start, which saw Spirit make 22/2 in the powerplay, Chathli set the tempo when she found support from Charli Knott and then Grace Harris, who added a blistering 34 off 15 balls with four fours and a six.

Danielle Gibson chipped in late as Spirit powered their way to 164 for 6, with Em Arlott being Phoenix's standout bowler with three wickets.

The chase fell apart almost immediately. Georgia Voll was dismissed off the 10th ball and though Emma Lamb briefly fought back with 23 off 13 balls, her run out proved crucial as Phoenix lost wickets in clusters. Ellyse Perry was sent packing by Charli Knott, Amy Jones was bowled by Charlie Dean and the middle order crumbled under scoreboard pressure. Eva Gray, Rebecca Tyson and Dean all struck in quick bursts, leaving Phoenix with no chance of recovery at 58/7.

With Phoebe Brett unable to bat due to a thumb injury, the innings ended tamely when Schutt was bowled by Gray and Hannah Baker was run out the very next ball as Phoenix were bowled out for 76 in 79 balls.

Brief scores: London Spirit 164/6 in 100 balls (Kira Chathli 69, Grace Harris 34; Em Arlott 3-25) lost to Birmingham Phoenix 76 all out in 79 balls (Lamb 23; Eva Gray 2-13, Charlie Dean 2-16) by 88 runs.