South African all‑rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Kerlk were the driving forces behind London Spirit Women’s first triumph of the 2023 Hundred season, delivering a decisive five‑wicket win over Trent Rockets at the historic Trent Bridge ground in Nottingham. Their combined performances not only secured the victory but also marked a turning point for a side that had stumbled in its opening match.
Kapp’s spell with the ball was nothing short of spectacular. Over the course of 20 deliveries she claimed three wickets while conceding just 12 runs, a figure that translates to an economy of 3.60 runs per over.
Remarkably, the first run she gave away came only on her 11th ball, underscoring her tight control and relentless pressure on the Rockets’ batters. In the Rockets’ innings, which concluded at 142 for 7, England’s off‑spinner Charlie Dean contributed a tidy 2 for 18, while home‑grown captain Ash Gardner topped the scoring sheet with a solid 34 runs. When Spirit began their chase, they seemed to be on shaky footing, sliding from a promising 55 without loss to 67 for 4 after the explosive Grace Harris was dismissed for 37 off just 20 balls. The momentum could have swung in Trent’s favour, but de Kerlk, who had already been a steady presence throughout the innings, steadied the ship.
Scoring an unbeaten 41 off 22 balls, she was ably supported by Marie Kelly, who added 39 runs. The partnership between de Kerlk and Kelly proved decisive, as they steered the team close to the target with just three balls remaining. The climax arrived when de Kerlk struck a six off a full‑toss from Georgia Adams, sending the ball soaring over deep square leg and sealing the win with a flourish. This victory was especially sweet for Spirit, who had suffered a heavy opening‑day loss to Manchester Super Giants, being bowled out for a paltry 80 runs.
That defeat had left the team searching for answers, but the win against Rockets demonstrated their resilience and ability to bounce back. Meanwhile, the Rockets themselves had endured a difficult weekend, failing to capitalize on a dominant nine‑wicket demolition of Birmingham Phoenix, where they had restricted the Phoenix to just 64 runs. Their inability to build on that momentum contributed to the loss at Trent Bridge. The match also featured notable individual performances from the Rockets side.
Sophia Dunkley made a brisk 23 off 15 balls, hammering three consecutive boundaries off Deandra Dottin. Dottin, however, endured a harsh spell, returning figures of 0 for 32 from her ten deliveries, a stark contrast to the earlier success of Gardner and Sophie Luff, who each added quickfire runs of 24 and 19 respectively. Gardner’s aggressive approach saw her hit three fours in quick succession off de Kerlk, but it was de Kerlk’s own power hitting that ultimately clinched the game.
She struck two fours and three sixes, including a towering six off a Gardner full‑toss that crashed over the covers. The day’s schedule also included a second women’s fixture, but rain intervened at Emirates Old Trafford, forcing the match between Super Giants and Phoenix to be abandoned before the scheduled 11 a.m. start.
The cancellation highlighted the unpredictable nature of English summer cricket, where weather can dramatically alter plans. Looking ahead, the tournament’s latest tables reflect the shifting fortunes of the franchises, with Spirit climbing the ranks after this win. Fans can continue to follow the action through live streams on the NOW platform, catch highlights and analysis on the Sky Sports app, or stay updated via Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel for breaking news, video clips, and expert commentary.
The weekend’s packed schedule of four games per day gave way to a more conventional double‑header on Monday. Southern Brave’s women’s side will host MI London at 3 p.m., followed by the men’s teams taking the field at 6:30 p.m. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering supporters another opportunity to witness high‑octane cricket as the Hundred season progresses. Overall, the match at Trent Bridge served as a showcase of both individual brilliance and team resilience.
Kapp’s disciplined bowling and de Kerlk’s explosive batting combined to overturn a precarious situation and deliver a memorable victory for London Spirit Women, setting a positive tone for the remainder of their campaign.