In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket victory over the Welsh Fire, marking their second win in this season's The Hundred women's tournament. The match hinged on a spectacular innings from Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney, who smashed 57 runs off just 35 deliveries, laying the groundwork for a successful chase of 130 runs. The Fire were bowled out for 129‑3 after completing their allotted 100 balls, leaving the Rockets with a modest target. Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s rising star Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick 15 off 17 balls.
The opening partnership blossomed into a 75‑run stand, providing the Rockets with a solid platform. After Dunkley's dismissal, Mooney continued to dominate, reaching her half‑century in just 27 balls as she was joined by all‑rounder Nat Sciver‑Brunt. Mooney’s aggressive approach kept the run‑rate high and the pressure on the Fire’s bowlers.
Eventually, England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who had already contributed a brisk 37 not out off 23 balls, took over the reins after Mooney’s dismissal by England bowler Em Arlott. Sciver‑Brunt, supported by Ash Gardner’s quickfire 10 off 9 balls, steered the Rockets home with 17 balls to spare, sealing a comprehensive win. The Fire’s innings was hampered from the outset.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, they stumbled early as openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) fell within the first nine balls, leaving the side at 28‑2 after just 41 deliveries. Despite a fighting effort from Freya Kemp, who hit 36 not out off 29 balls with four boundaries, and captain Sophie Devine, who added 38 off 25 balls—including two fours and two sixes—their total remained below par. The Fire’s 129‑3 proved insufficient, resulting in their second defeat of the competition. In related news, MI London and London Spirit produced an extraordinary tie on a scorching afternoon in the capital, both sides finishing on 151 runs.
The draw leaves MI London still searching for their inaugural win, sitting on just two points from four matches and fighting to stay in contention for the knockout stages. MI London’s chase began strongly, with Kiwi star Melie Kerr in scintillating form, scoring an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls.
The final quarter saw Jamaican batter Chinelle Henry explode with a blistering 33 off just 12 balls, including a 16‑run over off the last three deliveries from Nadine de Klerk, propelling MI London to 151. The Spirit’s reply was equally dramatic. After an early wicket fell to Henry’s opening delivery, Marie Kelly steadied the innings with a fluent 45 off 25 balls.
She set the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp, who added a rapid 25 in a 51‑run partnership with Amy Jones, the latter anchoring the chase. Kapp fell to a top‑edge off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin, but Jones continued the fight, needing 27 from 22 balls.
A hard‑hit sweep sent the ball straight to Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending the innings. With five balls remaining, the Spirit required nine runs.
Matthews faced Deandra Dottin, her fellow Barbadian, and Dottin dispatched the first ball for four and the second to extra cover. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs from the final ball.
She struck a leg‑side boundary, securing a tie and keeping her side barely alive in the tournament. Post‑match, Mooney reflected on the Rockets’ performance, noting, "It was a good, all‑round performance from everyone – 130 was probably about par but one big partnership was going to win that game, and it did in the end. When you're chasing a total like that, it's pretty good to break the back of the chase as early as you can and thankfully we did that." Meanwhile, Spirit’s Marie Kelly expressed mixed emotions, saying, "I was so nervous sitting on the side, not being able to do anything about it. I feel a bit flat that we've tied that one.
We were in a great position at one stage but they pulled it back really well. It's a strange feeling." Looking ahead, Southern Brave will host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women's match kicking off at 3 pm followed by the men's fixture at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and other cricket action on the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free viewing of live games, highlights, and exclusive content. The tournament continues to deliver high‑octane cricket, dramatic finishes, and memorable performances as teams vie for a place in the knockout stages.