In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket victory over Welsh Fire, marking their second win in this season's The Hundred women's competition. The match hinged on an explosive innings from Australian wicket‑keeper Beth Mooney, who smashed 57 runs off just 35 deliveries, laying the platform for a successful chase of 130 runs. Fire, after being bowled out for 129‑3 in their allotted 100 balls, left the Rockets with a modest target that they pursued with confidence. Mooney’s innings was the catalyst for the Rockets’ dominance.
Opening the batting alongside England’s promising all‑rounder Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick‑fire 15 off 17 balls, Mooney forged a 75‑run partnership for the first wicket. Her aggressive approach saw her reach a half‑century in a mere 27 balls, a feat she achieved after Nat Sciver‑Brunt, the England captain, joined her at the crease.
Mooney’s strike‑rate was relentless, and her ability to find the boundary with ease kept the required run rate well within reach. The partnership was eventually broken by Em Arlott, who dismissed Mooney, but the momentum had already shifted firmly in the Rockets’ favour.
Sciver‑Brunt, who had contributed 37 runs off 23 balls, continued the assault, guiding the side home with the help of Ash Gardner, who added a brisk 10 runs off just nine balls. The Rockets crossed the finish line with 17 balls to spare, completing the chase with a comfortable margin. The Fire’s innings, on the other hand, was hampered from the outset.
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 team reeling at 28‑2 after just 41 deliveries. Despite a spirited fightback from Freya Kemp, who struck four fours in her unbeaten 36 off 29 balls, and captain Sophie Devine, who added 38 runs off 25 balls with two fours and two sixes, the total of 129 proved insufficient against the Rockets’ firepower.
The match also featured a dramatic tie between MI London and London Spirit. Both sides ended their 20‑over innings on an identical score of 151, resulting in a rare and exhilarating draw that left both teams with a point each.
MI London, still searching for their inaugural victory, have managed only two points from four matches, placing them in a precarious position regarding qualification for the knockout stages. MI London’s chase was anchored by a blistering partnership between Kiwi star Melie Kerr and Jamaican powerhouse Chinelle Henry.
Kerr, in scintillating form, smashed an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, while Henry delivered an astonishing 33 runs from just 12 balls in the final quarter of the innings. Their 55‑run stand from 23 deliveries, highlighted by Henry’s explosive 16 runs off the last three balls bowled by Nadine de Klerk, propelled MI London to a competitive total of 151. London Spirit’s reply began strongly, with Marie Kelly crafting a composed 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a rapid 25 in a 51‑run partnership with England’s Amy Jones, who played a steady anchoring role.
However, Kapp fell to a top‑edge caught off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin, and the chase tightened. Jones attempted to steady the ship, but with 27 runs required from 22 balls, she was caught sweeping a delivery straight to Nicola Carey at deep square leg. Carey, renowned for her fielding prowess, secured the catch, leaving the Spirit needing nine runs from the final five balls.
Matthews, bowling to fellow Barbadian Deandra Dottin, induced a boundary on the first ball and a well‑timed shot to extra cover on the second. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs off the last ball.
Dottin, displaying composure under pressure, struck the ball leg‑side, ran two, and secured the final run, resulting in a tie. Both teams expressed mixed emotions after the nail‑biting finish. Marie Kelly, reflecting on the match for Sky Sports Cricket, admitted to feeling “nervous” and “a bit flat” after the draw, noting that the Spirit had mounted a strong comeback after being in a commanding position. The tie kept MI London’s hopes alive, albeit by the slimmest of margins, while the Spirit celebrated a hard‑earned point.
Looking ahead, Southern Brave will host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women’s match scheduled for 3 pm and the men’s fixture following at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and additional content on NOW, ensuring continuous access to the competition’s drama and excitement. The latest league tables and squad announcements for the 2026 season are available for those following the tournament closely.
In summary, Beth Mooney’s explosive 57 set the tone for the Rockets’ dominant chase, while the dramatic tie between MI London and London Spirit highlighted the unpredictable nature of The Hundred, where every ball can swing momentum and keep fans on the edge of their seats.