Bellingham Watches Phoenix Snatch Thriller as Brave Stay Perfect

Jude Bellingham got exactly the kind of drama he paid for on Wednesday. The Real Madrid and England star watched from the Edgbaston stands as his Birmingham Phoenix side pulled off a nail-biting victory over Welsh Fire with just one ball to spare in The Hundred women's competition.

Bellingham's Investment Gets Its Reward

Earlier this year, [Bellingham — one of football's most marketable stars](article/jude-bellingham-at-23-world-cup-star-s-life-on-and-off-the-pitch) — snapped up a 1.2 per cent stake in the Birmingham Phoenix. He was front and centre at Edgbaston on Wednesday, taking in both the women's fixture and the men's contest that followed against the same opposition. It turned out to be worth the trip.

Phoenix had arrived at the game in rough shape — bottom of the table with just two points, having lost to Southern Brave and Trent Rockets and seen their Manchester Super Giants clash abandoned by rain. Something had to change.

Perry and Capsey Deliver the Goods

Welsh Fire set a stiff target of 144 from 100 balls after Phoenix opted to bowl first, with Georgia Voll doing the bulk of the damage — racking up 78 off just 55 deliveries. It looked like it might be enough.

It wasn't, though not without serious tension. Ellyse Perry (68 not out) and Alice Capsey (51) built a partnership that kept Phoenix alive, but the chase still had plenty of edge heading into the final stretch. With three balls remaining, the home side still needed 10 runs — a situation that would test anyone's nerves.

Perry didn't flinch. She launched Heather Graham over deep midwicket for six, then punched the very next delivery through point for four. Game over. One ball unused.

According to Sky Sports, Perry was in high spirits afterwards: "Partnerships are crucial and the way Alice batted today was outstanding. To have the opportunity there to take it deep and have a chance in the last 10 — it was a great contest."

Phoenix climb to fifth in the table. Welsh Fire drop to seventh.

Southern Brave Keep the Perfect Record Intact

Elsewhere in the competition, Southern Brave continued their march toward the final, making it five wins from five with a five-wicket victory over London Spirit at Lord's. They are the team everyone else needs to catch.

Brave skipper Sophie Molineux was the standout with figures of 3-7 from 20 balls — the second most economical spell in the competition's history, behind only teammate Lauren Bell's 4-6 against Welsh Fire last season. Marizanne Kapp chipped in with two key wickets to keep Spirit's total well below par.

Chasing 115, Brave made it look comfortable until a brief wobble near the end — losing Maia Bouchier (46 off 38) and Molineux herself with just one run needed. They still crossed the line with seven balls to spare.

"It was a really good bowling performance from everyone all round," Molineux said post-match. "No standouts, just everyone playing their role."

Bellingham's Sporting Portfolio Grows

For Bellingham, Wednesday was another reminder of just how broad his reach has become. On the football pitch, he has developed a habit of showing up when it matters most — [delivering decisive performances on the biggest stages](article/bellingham-strikes-twice-again-to-fire-england-into-world-cup-semis) and [carrying teams on his back when the pressure is highest](article/bellingham-carries-england-into-knockouts-with-2-0-win-over-panama). Now he is bringing that winner's mentality into the boardroom too.

The Phoenix may only own a sliver of the 26-year-old's attention, but after a thriller like that at Edgbaston, he will almost certainly be back for more.

Related on Ni4o: Bellingham Carries England Into Knockouts With 2-0 Win Over Panama · Bellingham Shines as England Advances with Win Over Panama · Jude Bellingham Stands Out with Stellar Performance Against Panama