Birmingham Phoenix (Men) held off a spirited Trent Rockets (Men) chase to claim a thrilling 10-run victory in Match 4 of The Hundred Mens.
Explosive half-centuries from Joe Clarke and Will Smeed powered Phoenix to a formidable 214/4 before Tom Banton’s blistering 67 threatened an unlikely chase. However, disciplined bowling in the closing stages ensured Phoenix emerged victorious in a high-scoring contest.
Match Analysis
Birmingham Phoenix produced one of the standout batting performances of this year’s competition. Joe Clarke set the tone with a magnificent 68 from just 33 balls, combining elegant strokeplay with clean power, while Will Smeed complemented him perfectly with a rapid 51 from 28 deliveries. Their opening partnership laid the platform for an explosive finish, with Rehan Ahmed and Donovan Ferreira accelerating during the final 25 balls to lift Phoenix beyond the 200-mark.
Trent Rockets responded with equal intent. Finn Allen and Ben Duckett raced through the powerplay before Tom Banton took control of the chase with an outstanding 67 from 32 balls. Despite maintaining the required scoring rate for much of the innings, regular wickets prevented the Rockets from building sustained momentum. Birmingham’s bowlers kept their composure under pressure, delivering crucial breakthroughs and executing effectively at the death to defend a challenging total.
The victory showcased Birmingham Phoenix’s batting depth and ability to handle pressure in the final overs, while Trent Rockets will be encouraged by their aggressive batting despite falling just short.
Match Report
Birmingham Phoenix (Men) defeated Trent Rockets (Men) by 10 runs in a breathtaking run-fest in Match 4 of The Hundred Mens.
Batting first, Phoenix made an explosive start as Joe Clarke and Will Smeed dominated the powerplay. The pair reached a 100-run opening partnership inside 44 balls, with Clarke bringing up his half-century from only 24 deliveries before continuing his assault with seven fours and four sixes in a brilliant 68.
Smeed provided outstanding support, striking 51 from 28 balls as Birmingham reached 101 without loss by the halfway stage. Although the openers departed, the momentum never slowed. Rehan Ahmed and Donovan Ferreira added a rapid-fire partnership during the closing overs, taking Phoenix to an imposing 214/4 from their 100 balls.
Trent Rockets launched an equally aggressive reply. Finn Allen and Ben Duckett blasted 54 runs during the opening 25-ball powerplay before Tom Banton assumed control of the innings. Banton produced a sensational knock of 67 from 32 balls, keeping the Rockets firmly in contention with powerful hitting all around the ground.
As the required rate climbed in the closing stages, Birmingham’s bowlers responded superbly. Timely wickets disrupted the chase, and despite the Rockets reaching 204/7 from their 100 balls, Phoenix successfully defended their total to secure a memorable 10-run victory.
Match Summary
Birmingham Phoenix (Men) vs Trent Rockets (Men), Match 4
Birmingham Phoenix (Men) 214/4 (100 balls)
Trent Rockets (Men) 204/7 (100 balls)
Birmingham Phoenix (Men) won by 10 runs
SCORECARD
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Match Stats
Birmingham Phoenix (Men) Fall of wickets: 1-104 (Joe Clarke – 9.4 ov), 2-134 (Will Smeed – 14.2 ov), 3-197 (Rehan Ahmed – 18.4 ov), 4-206 (Mitchell Owen – 19.3 ov)
Trent Rockets (Men) Fall of wickets: 1-65 (Finn Allen – 5.4 ov), 2-102 (Ben Duckett – 9.3 ov), 3-111 (Tim David – 10.5 ov), 4-127 (Sam Billings – 13.1 ov), 5-161 (Mitchell Santner – 16.5 ov), 6-186 (Tom Banton – 18.4 ov), 7-192 (Lewis Gregory – 19.3 ov)
Partnership
Playing XI
Birmingham Phoenix (Men)
Trent Rockets (Men)
Match Details
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026 18:30
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Toss: Trent Rockets (Men) elected to bowl
Umpires: Paul Pollard (England) Tom Lungley (England) Paul Baldwin (England TV)
Match Referee: James Whitaker (England)
Weather
Clouds, broken clouds
Temperature 22°C, Humidity 63%
Wind Speed 14.20 mph, Clouds 66%
Pitch
Pitch Condition – Spinning Pitch
Batting Condition – Average
Pace Bowling Condition – Average
Spin Bowling Condition – Sharp Turn
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