Jess Jonassen has etched her name into the history books with a remarkable display of power hitting, becoming the first woman to hit four sixes in a single five-ball over in The Hundred, England’s premier white-ball cricket competition. The Australian all-rounder’s extraordinary performance not only showcased her batting prowess but also played a pivotal role in securing Welsh Fire’s first victory of the campaign, extinguishing the playoff hopes of Ellyse Perry’s Birmingham Phoenix.
Jonassen’s all-round excellence was on full display as she also claimed three wickets with her spin, earning her the player-of-the-match accolade. Her innings of 44 runs off just 17 deliveries, complemented by her bowling figures of 3-24 from 20 balls, propelled the Fire to a commanding 36-run win. This performance comes at a crucial time for Jonassen, who has recently lost her place in the Australian national team but has demonstrated her enduring value in the women’s game.
A Record-Breaking Over
The defining moment of Jonassen’s innings came with just 10 balls remaining in the Fire’s innings. After her teammate Hayley Matthews took a single off the first ball of the set, Jonassen unleashed a barrage of sixes against the spin of Hannah Baker. The sequence of four consecutive maximums, with the first two narrowly avoiding fielders at the boundary, set a new record for the women’s Hundred with 25 runs scored off Baker’s over.
“Can’t say I’d be on the top of anyone’s list to achieve that,” Jonassen remarked with a smile, reflecting on her landmark feat. “Not too bad to be fair. I got a little bit of luck with the bat, kind of muscled a few, but I’m really pleased we finally got some points on the board.”
Jonassen’s late surge, which included three fours alongside her quartet of sixes, lifted the Fire to a formidable total of 3-150, following a solid foundation laid by Sophia Dunkley’s half-century.
Impact on the Tournament
The victory was a significant boost for Welsh Fire, who leapfrogged Birmingham Phoenix in the standings. For the Phoenix, the loss was a devastating blow, sending them to the bottom of the table and dashing their hopes of advancing to the playoffs. Despite a valiant effort from Ellyse Perry, who scored 55 off 43 balls, her innings was overshadowed by Jonassen’s brilliance.
Perry’s knock included seven fours and a six, but with little support from her teammates, the Phoenix were unable to chase down the target. Jonassen’s dismissal of Georgia Voll, who had been threatening with 29 off 18 balls, was a turning point in the match.
“She’s been amazing the last couple of games — with 4-10 in her last game nearly dragging us back into it, and now such a great show of hitting,” said Fire captain Tammy Beaumont, praising Jonassen’s contributions.
Looking Ahead
Jonassen’s performance has reignited discussions about her potential return to the international stage. Her ability to deliver under pressure, both with the bat and ball, underscores her status as one of the most versatile players in women’s cricket. As The Hundred progresses, Welsh Fire will look to build on this momentum, with Jonassen’s form being a key factor in their campaign.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Phoenix will need to regroup and assess their strategies as they aim to salvage some pride in the remaining matches. For Jonassen, the immediate focus will be on maintaining her form and continuing to make a case for her inclusion in future international fixtures.
As the tournament unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see if Jonassen can replicate her heroics and lead Welsh Fire to further successes.
