Northern Superchargers Women vs Birmingham Phoenix Women – The Hundred Women's 2025 Match Preview

Date: Friday, 15th August 2025
Venue: Headingley, Leeds
Start Time: 03:00 PM BST (15:00 GMT)

Match Outlook

The Hundred Women's 2025 heads to Headingley, Leeds for a crucial clash between the Northern Superchargers Women and the Birmingham Phoenix Women. With both teams in a mid-season phase, this encounter promises high intensity and competitive cricket. The Superchargers, coming off a recent defeat to the Southern Brave, will be eager to bounce back, while the Phoenix, despite a winning start to their campaign, have struggled in their last two games, particularly with the bat.

The Headingley pitch, known for its slower nature and tendency to favor teams batting first, will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the game. With over 70% of matches here won by the side batting first, both teams will be considering aggressive starts and strong bowling changes to gain early control.

Team Form & Key Players

Northern Superchargers Women

The Superchargers have had a mixed start to the tournament. A win followed by a loss against the Southern Brave has left them in a transitional phase. Their batting lineup, led by captain Hollie Armitage and Davina Perrin, offers a blend of experience and explosive power. Armitage has already scored 70 runs in two innings, while Perrin remains the team’s highest run-scorer so far.

The bowling unit, however, is the strength of the team. Kate Cross has been a standout performer, with an impressive economy rate and a knack for picking key wickets. The Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland also adds firepower with both bat and ball, making her a dual threat.

Birmingham Phoenix Women

The Phoenix had a strong start to their campaign but have since lost two games, primarily due to batting inconsistencies. Their bowlers, led by Emily Arlott and Hannah Baker, have been in good form. Arlott is the joint leading wicket-taker for the tournament with 6 wickets in three games, while Baker has impressed with her spin, picking up 5 dismissals.

The batting unit, however, has struggled to convert starts into big totals. Ailsa Lister remains the key, with a strike rate of 148.64, but the team will need more support up the order. Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is a vital asset, capable of accelerating the innings at both ends.

Head-to-Head

In the last five encounters between these two teams, the series is finely balanced with Northern Superchargers Women and Birmingham Phoenix Women each securing two wins. This parity adds an extra layer of excitement to the match.

Venue Insights: Headingley, Leeds

• Average 1st Innings Score: 144.0 (2022–2025)
• Win Percentage (Batting First): 72.7%
• Wickets Per Innings (First Innings): 5.17

The pitch at Headingley tends to slow down as the game progresses, making it a favorable venue for teams batting first. The spin-friendly conditions could see Hannah Baker and Kate Cross playing crucial roles.

Players to Watch

• Kate Cross (Northern Superchargers): The leading bowler of the tournament with an economy rate of 7.3 and 5 dismissals in 12 sets.
• Hollie Armitage (Northern Superchargers): The captain and primary run-scorer, with 70 runs in two innings.
• Davina Perrin (Northern Superchargers): The team's leading run-scorer, offering stability and power.
• Emily Arlott (Birmingham Phoenix): Joint leading wicket-taker with 6 wickets in 3 games.
• Hannah Baker (Birmingham Phoenix): A dangerous spinner who has been instrumental in recent performances.
• Ailsa Lister (Birmingham Phoenix): The explosive power hitter with a strike rate of 148.64.

Match Predictions & Tips

• Toss Prediction: Northern Superchargers
• Match Winner: Northern Superchargers
• Top Batter (Most Runs): Davina Perrin (Northern Superchargers), Ailsa Lister (Birmingham Phoenix)
• Top Bowler (Most Wickets): Kate Cross (Northern Superchargers), Emily Arlott (Birmingham Phoenix)
• Most Sixes: Annabel Sutherland (Northern Superchargers), Ellyse Perry (Birmingham Phoenix)
• Player of the Match: Annabel Sutherland (Northern Superchargers)
• Team Scores (Batting First): Northern Superchargers 130+, Birmingham Phoenix 120+

Final Thoughts

This match could be a turning point in the tournament for both teams. The Northern Superchargers will be looking to build momentum with a win at Headingley, while the Phoenix will be determined to break their current losing streak. With a balanced squad and a captain in form, the Superchargers are slight favorites to take the win. However, the Phoenix' spin threat and explosive batting could make for a thrilling contest.

Don’t miss this high-stakes encounter at Headingley on 15th August 2025 at 03:00 PM BST.
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