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 Women's Hundred tournament. The Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney was the star of the show, blasting a rapid 57 runs off just 35 deliveries to lay the groundwork for a successful chase of 130 runs. The Fire had been restricted to 129 for 3 in their allotted 100 balls, setting the stage for the Rockets' chase. Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s promising all‑rounder Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick 15 off 17 balls.
The opening partnership blossomed into a 75‑run stand, giving the Rockets a solid platform. After Dunkley’s dismissal, Mooney continued her on‑fire form, reaching a half‑century in just 27 balls as Nat Sciver‑Brunt joined her at the crease. Mooney’s innings was eventually halted by Em Arlott, but the momentum she had built proved decisive. England captain Sciver‑Brunt took over the reins, adding a brisk 37 not out from 23 balls.
She partnered with Ash Gardner, who contributed a swift 10 off 9 balls, to steer the Rockets home with 17 balls to spare. The victory was underpinned by the Fire’s sub‑par total, a consequence of a poor start after winning the toss. Welsh Fire’s opening pair, Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6), were dismissed within nine balls, leaving the side reeling at 28 for 2 after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp tried to revive the innings, striking four boundaries in her 36‑run unbeaten knock off 29 balls.
Captain Sophie Devine added a powerful 38 off 25 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, but the total still fell short, resulting in the Fire’s second defeat of the competition. In related news, MI London and London Spirit produced an extraordinary tie on a sweltering afternoon in the capital, both teams ending on exactly 151 runs.
The dead‑heat leaves MI London still searching for their maiden win, having collected only two points from four matches and finding their knockout hopes under pressure. MI London seemed poised for victory after a dominant batting display. Kiwi star Melie Kerr opened the innings with flair, scoring an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls. The final quarter of the innings was dominated by Jamaican batter Chinelle Henry, who smashed an astonishing 33 runs off just 12 balls.
Together, Kerr and Henry compiled a rapid 55‑run partnership from 23 deliveries, with Henry’s explosive 16 runs off the last three balls from Nadine de Klerk propelling MI London to a total of 151. The chase for London Spirit began positively when Henry’s early wicket gave the Spirit a chance to seize control. Marie Kelly responded with a graceful 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a quickfire 25 in a 51‑run stand with England’s Amy Jones, who anchored the innings.
However, Kapp fell to a top‑edge off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin, and Jones, despite a solid effort, could not finish the job. With 27 runs required from 22 balls, Jones attempted a hard sweep that was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending her innings.
The final overs saw the Spirit needing nine runs from five balls. Matthews bowled to fellow Barbadian Deandra Dottin, who struck the first ball for a boundary and the second straight to extra cover. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs off the last delivery. Dottin managed a leg‑side strike, ran two, and secured the final run, completing the tie and keeping her side’s campaign alive by the slimmest of margins.
Reflecting on the match, Marie Kelly told Sky Sports Cricket, "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." The Women's Hundred continues to deliver high‑octane cricket, with Southern Brave set to host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday.
The women's fixture will kick off at 3 pm, followed by the men's game at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and additional cricket content on the NOW platform, ensuring easy access to the tournament’s latest action and highlights.