Warwickshire batsman Chris Benjamin led Birmingham Phoenix to a stunning last-gasp victory over London Spirit to complete an enthralling day of action in The Hundred at Edgbaston.
In a thrilling finish that swung one way and then the other, Benjamin, the 22-year old who only made his professional debut for the Bears five days ago, hit 24 not out from 15 balls to take Phoenix men to a three-wicket win.
They needed 24 runs from 14 balls when Benny Howell was dismissed but Benjamin smashed two sixes – one of them an audacious reverse scoop over his shoulder – and a four, sending the sizeable home crowd wild.
Earlier in the day, Eve Jones hit 47, but it wasn’t enough for Birmingham Phoenix women as London Spirit survived a big scare to win by three-wickets at Edgbaston.
Spirit, captained by England skipper Heather Knight, were cruising at 108-3 – needing 21 from 23 balls in their chase of 129. But in a frenetic few minutes they lost three wickets in four balls without scoring a run, as Emily Arlott dismissed Chloe Tryon and Susie Rowe and Deepti Sharma carelessly holed out for 28.
Spirit needed Amara Carr to edge them to victory with 11 not out before Danielle Gibson hit the only two balls she faced for four to seal the win with four balls to spare.
Eve Jones played an impressive attacking innings – hitting a number of dazzling shots back past the bowler. She combined with her skipper, Amy Jones, in a key, well-paced partnership of 64 from 41 balls.
Birmingham Phoenix are back in action at Edgbaston as part of another double-header on Sunday 1 August as they face Trent Rockets, with the women getting underway at 11am and the men at 2.30pm. Limited tickets are now left and can be purchased at thehundred.com.
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