Welsh Fire keep knockout hopes alive with eight-wicket win over Birmingham Phoenix
Welsh Fire beat Birmingham Phoenix by eight wickets to remain in contention for The Hundred knockout stages, highlighted by key knocks from Steve Smith and Stephen Eskinazi.
Match overviewAt Edgbaston, Welsh Fire chased down 139 in 89 balls, sealing an eight-wicket success over Birmingham Phoenix to sustain their slim hopes of reaching the knockout rounds.
Opener Stephen Eskinazi struck a rapid 42 off 29 balls, while Jonny Bairstow contributed 35 from 21 after moving up to No.3. Veteran Steve Smith anchored the chase with an unbeaten 47 off 36 deliveries.
Earlier, Birmingham Phoenix struggled for momentum despite Jacob Bethell’s top score of 38 from 28 balls. Chris Green led the attack for Fire with figures of 3-27, and debutant Ben Kellaway impressed with 2-10.
Standings implications
Both teams sit on eight points, eight behind Northern Superchargers in third, with two games remaining. Victory in their final fixtures could still turn the tide, but Fire and Phoenix need favourable results elsewhere to advance.
Upcoming fixtures
Saturday features double-headers as Northern Superchargers host Oval Invincibles (11:00 and 14:30 BST) and London Spirit take on Southern Brave (14:30 and 18:00 BST). All matches have radio commentary on INLIBER Sounds, while Spirit vs Brave airs on INLIBER TV.
The win keeps Welsh Fire’s fading knockout ambitions alive as they head into the final stage of The Hundred.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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