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Birmingham Phoenix Women vs Oval Invincibles Women – 12 Aug 2025 Preview & Prediction

Birmingham Phoenix Women vs Oval Invincibles Women – 12 Aug 2025 Preview & Prediction

Introduction

The Women’s Hundred is heating up and Tuesday’s match at Edgbaston sees Birmingham Phoenix Women hosting Oval Invincibles Women. Phoenix have endured an up‑and‑down start with a win and a loss in 2025, while the perennial powerhouse Invincibles are still searching for their first win after two defeats. This afternoon clash at 15:00 BST is a chance for the hosts to solidify their top‑four hopes and for the visitors to kick‑start their campaign. Let’s examine recent form, key players, Edgbaston conditions and the best Dream11 picks ahead of this intriguing fixture.

Birmingham Phoenix Women’s recent form

Phoenix have shown glimpses of brilliance but also inconsistency. They began 2025 with an 11‑run win over Trent Rockets on 8 August, defending 149 thanks to tight spells from Emily Arlott (3/28) and Megan Schutt. However, they fell short in their next outing against Southern Brave, losing by 15 runs as Brave defended 171.. That result means Phoenix’s last five Women’s Hundred matches read W L NR W L, including wins over Welsh Fire in August 2024 and a no‑result versus Manchester Originals later that season.

The batting has revolved around Dutch opener Sterre Kalis, whose 249 runs in her last 10 matches come at an average of 27.67 and strike‑rate 116.9. Captain Ellyse Perry is the engine of the middle order, scoring 243 runs at 27 and also chipping in with useful overs. With the ball, Emily Arlott leads the attack; she’s taken 15 wickets at an economy of 8.3 and strike rate 11.66. Perry has supported with nine wickets at 7.4 economy. Phoenix’s challenge is to assemble a complete performance and break their win‑loss trend.

Oval Invincibles Women’s recent form

Invincibles have dominated this rivalry, winning the last five contests against Phoenix by margins of 45 runs, 10 runs, 8 wickets and 20 runs. However, the 2025 season has been difficult; they’ve opened with back‑to‑back losses. They fell to London Spirit by 17 runs on 5 August and then endured a two‑run thriller against Manchester Originals on 9 August. In 2024, the defending champions lost the Eliminator to Spirit, demonstrating some vulnerability.

Star all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp remains a constant. She’s amassed 252 runs in her last 10 matches at an average of 63 and strike‑rate 136.21, and her 14 wickets have come at a miserly 5.9 economy. Youngster Alice Capsey provides explosive batting with 209 runs at a strike‑rate 119.42. Left‑arm spinner Sophia Smale gives control (9 wickets, economy 7.77), while seamer Kapp leads the attack. Invincibles’ challenge is closing out games; they failed to chase 133 against Originals and 145 against Spirit, despite strong starts. Winning at Edgbaston would re‑establish their credentials.

Edgbaston pitch report

Edgbaston is one of England’s iconic venues with a capacity around 25,000. In The Hundred, it generally offers a balanced surface with moderate scores. According to a match preview earlier this week, the pitch provides similar assistance to both pacers and spinners and encourages teams to bat first because chasing can be tricky as the surface slows and bounce becomes variable. Early on, the ball comes onto the bat nicely for stroke‑play, but as innings progress the pitch grips more. Captains winning the toss may prefer to bat, aiming for a total around 140‑150. Weather is forecast to be dry and bright, though any passing showers would freshen up the surface.

Prediction and Dream11 fantasy team

This match pits the home side’s well‑balanced lineup against the Invincibles’ experienced stars. Phoenix’s top order of Kalis, Emma Lamb and Marie Kelly must capitalise on the powerplay, while Perry and Georgia Voll anchor the middle overs. Arlott and Schutt will look to strike early with the ball. For Invincibles, the presence of Kapp, Capsey and Suzie Bates ensures batting depth, and the spin of Smale will be key. Despite Invincibles’ poor start, their recent dominance over Phoenix gives them the edge. Expect a tight contest but with Kapp’s all‑round brilliance and Capsey’s batting, the Oval Invincibles Women should shade it.

#### Dream11 Fantasy team
Selecting a Dream11 team requires balancing star performers and differential picks. Here’s a suggested lineup:

  • Wicketkeeper: Amy Jones (BP‑W) – reliable glovework and adaptable batting.
  • Batters: Sterre Kalis (BP‑W), Marie Kelly (BP‑W), Alice Capsey (OI‑W), Suzie Bates (OI‑W).
  • All‑rounders: Ellyse Perry (BP‑W, captain), Marizanne Kapp (OI‑W, vice‑captain), Georgia Voll (BP‑W).
  • Bowlers: Emily Arlott (BP‑W), Megan Schutt (BP‑W), Sophia Smale (OI‑W).

Captain: Ellyse Perry’s dual contributions with bat and ball make her the ideal captaincy pick. Vice‑captain: Marizanne Kapp’s prolific batting and wicket‑taking ability offer high upside.

Final word

Birmingham Phoenix Women have home advantage and a passionate Edgbaston crowd, but they must execute their plans perfectly against a resourceful Oval Invincibles Women side desperate for a win. The battle between Perry and Kapp could decide the outcome. Tune in at 3 pm (BST) on 12 August for what promises to be an entertaining clash in the Women’s Hundred.