Northern Superchargers beat Birmingham Phoenix by four runs in a high-scoring The Hundred match on Friday evening. The visitors finished on 111 for their innings, while the home side could only manage 107 runs in reply. It was another tight contest at the Birmingham venue, with the result decided in the final deliveries.
The home side started brightly but lost their rhythm as the innings progressed. They needed 112 to win but fell short with several balls remaining. The batting collapse came at a crucial moment when the required rate climbed beyond reach.
On the table, Northern Superchargers sit second with 20 points from eight games, while Birmingham Phoenix remain in seventh place on ten points from seven matches. The gap between them reflects the consistency the visitors have shown this season.
Both sides have been involved in some of the highest-scoring games of the tournament recently. Birmingham lost their last three games by narrow margins, including a 122-124 defeat to Trent Rockets and a 145-144 win over Welsh Fire. Northern Superchargers have also seen many close finishes, with recent results showing a pattern of tight contests.
The result keeps Northern Superchargers in contention for a top-four finish. Birmingham Phoenix need to find consistency if they are to climb away from the bottom half of the standings. The four-run margin suggests this could have gone either way with just one or two more runs in either innings.