South African all‑rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk were the driving forces behind London Spirit Women’s maiden triumph of the current Hundred season, as they handed Trent Rockets their first loss with a convincing five‑wicket win at Nottingham’s historic Trent Bridge. Kapp’s spell with the ball was nothing short of spectacular. In just 20 deliveries she claimed three wickets for only 12 runs, a figure that underscores her precision and skill.
Remarkably, she gave away her very first run off the bat only on her 11th ball, demonstrating tight control throughout her spell. The Rockets managed a total of 142 for 7, a score bolstered by England’s off‑spinner Charlie Dean, who returned figures of two wickets for 18 runs, and home captain Ash Gardner, who top‑scored with a steady 34 runs.
When the Spirit began their chase, they stumbled early, slipping from a promising 55 without loss to 67 for 4 after the explosive Grace Harris, who had been scoring at a rapid 37 off 20 balls, was dismissed. However, the innings was rescued by a composed and aggressive partnership between De Kerk and Marie Kelly. De Kerk, who struck 41 runs off 22 balls without being dismissed, anchored the chase alongside Kelly’s 39 runs.
Their partnership steadied the innings and set the stage for a dramatic finish. With just three balls remaining, De Kerk struck the winning six over deep square leg, dispatching a delivery from Georgia Adams to seal the victory for Spirit Women.
This win marked a significant bounce‑back for the Spirit after an opening defeat to Manchester Super Giants, where they were bowled out for a meagre 80 runs. It also followed a dominant performance by the Rockets in a previous match, where they had dismantled Birmingham Phoenix by nine wickets, restricting the Phoenix to a paltry 64 runs. The contrast between those performances highlighted the unpredictable nature of The Hundred and the importance of momentum. The match also featured notable individual performances on the Rockets’ side.
Sophia Dunkley contributed a quick‑fire 23 off 15 balls, hammering three consecutive boundaries off Deandra Dottin. Dottin, however, endured a tough day with the ball, ending with figures of 0 for 32 from her ten‑ball spell after being hit for boundaries by both Ash Gardner and Sophie Luff, who added 24 runs off 19 balls.
Gardner herself was aggressive, hitting three fours in succession off De Kerk, but it was De Kerk’s own power hitting that ultimately decided the game. She struck two fours and three sixes, including a towering six off a Gardner full‑toss that sailed over the covers, showcasing her ability to dominate the latter stages of an innings. In addition to the women’s fixture, the day’s schedule included another match that was abandoned due to inclement weather.
The Super Giants and Phoenix were scheduled to play at Emirates Old Trafford, but rain forced the cancellation of the 11 am start, leaving fans disappointed but underscoring the challenges of outdoor sport. Looking ahead, the latest league tables reflect the shifting fortunes of the teams as the season progresses. Fans can continue to follow live action and updates through the NOW streaming platform, which offers comprehensive coverage of The Hundred, including highlights, analysis, and exclusive interviews.
The Sky Sports app remains a convenient way to stay connected, providing real‑time scores, video highlights, and push notifications for breaking news. The weekend’s packed schedule, featuring four games a day, gave supporters a feast of cricket. Monday will see a return to a more traditional double‑header format.
Southern Brave’s women’s side will host MI London at 3 pm, followed by the men’s teams taking the field at 6:30 pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, ensuring that viewers can enjoy the full breadth of talent on display across the league. Overall, the Spirit’s victory not only adds a crucial win to their record but also highlights the impact that international talent like Kapp and De Kerk can have in The Hundred.
Their performances illustrate a blend of disciplined bowling, aggressive batting, and the ability to thrive under pressure—qualities that will be essential as the competition intensifies and teams vie for a place in the knockout stages. The Hundred continues to capture the imagination of cricket fans with its fast‑paced format, innovative rules, and the opportunity for emerging stars to share the stage with seasoned internationals. As the season unfolds, each match brings new storylines, and London Spirit Women’s first win is a compelling chapter that sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting campaign.