Sunrisers in qualification contention after comfortable win over eliminated Phoenix
Sunrisers Leeds earn a vital win in the race for qualification by demolishing Birmingham Phoenix, who are subsequently eliminated from The Hundred after a fifth loss in six games.
Sunrisers Leeds secured second place and eliminated Birmingham Phoenix in a thrilling 45-run victory at Edgbaston in The Hundred cricket competition. Opener Ryan Rickelton scored 65 from just 37 balls, including six fours and three sixes, while Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts took 3-17 and 3-20 respectively for Phoenix. South African Rickelton formed a 52-run opening stand with Mitch Marsh after his team batted first, followed by adding 42 runs with Harry Brook.
Usman Tariq of Phoenix claimed 2-28, dismissing Mitch Marsh for 34 and England captain Harry Brook for 19. Rickelton was run out by wicketkeeper Joe Clarke, the third of four wickets to fall for just 15 runs late in the innings. Carse claimed two wickets in the powerplay, with Mitch Owen and Rehan Ahmed both failing to reach the crease.
Phoenix struggled, losing several wickets, including Donovan Ferreira and Sean Dickson, who top-scored for his team with 34 runs. Manchester Super Giants now trail Sunrisers and MI London by four points in the standings, while Phoenix remain at the bottom with a dismal record of one win and five losses. The women's and men's fixtures at The Oval and Utilita Bowl continue on Saturday.
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