In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket victory over the Welsh Fire, marking their second win of the season in The Hundred women's tournament. The Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney was the star of the show, smashing a rapid 57 runs from 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 up a manageable target for the Rockets. 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 before Mooney reached her half‑century in a mere 27 balls, with Nat Sciver‑Brunt joining her at the crease. Mooney’s aggressive approach kept the run‑rate high and put pressure on the Fire bowlers throughout the innings. Eventually, Em Arlott dismissed Mooney, but the momentum had already shifted decisively in the Rockets' favour. England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who had already contributed a brisk 37 not out off 23 balls, took over the reins and, together with Ash Gardner’s quickfire 10 not out off 9 balls, steered the side home with 17 balls to spare.
The Rockets’ chase was smooth, thanks to a disciplined batting display and a solid partnership that dismantled the Fire’s modest total. The Fire’s innings, however, had been hampered from the outset. After winning the toss, they chose to bat but lost early wickets in quick succession.
Openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) fell within the first nine balls, leaving the team reeling at 28 for 2 after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp tried to revive the innings, hitting four fours in her 36‑run knock off 29 balls, while captain Sophie Devine added 38 runs off 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Despite their efforts, the Fire could not recover fully and fell short of the target, suffering their second defeat of the competition. Beyond the Rockets‑Fire clash, the tournament also delivered a dramatic tie between MI London and London Spirit. Both sides ended their 20‑over innings on 151 runs, resulting in a rare shared point.
MI London, still searching for their inaugural win, have accumulated only two points from four matches and find themselves on the brink of elimination from the knockout race. The tie unfolded on a scorching afternoon in London, with MI London appearing to have the upper hand for much of the game. Kiwi star Melie Kerr opened aggressively, scoring an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls and setting a solid platform. The innings then accelerated dramatically thanks to Jamaican batter Chinelle Henry, who smashed an astonishing 33 runs from just 12 deliveries.
Their partnership yielded 55 runs off 23 balls, with Henry finishing with a rapid 16 from the final three deliveries of bowler Nadine de Klerk, propelling MI London to a total of 151. London Spirit’s reply began positively when Henry’s early strike produced a leading edge from Grace Harris, suggesting a smooth chase for the Spirit. However, the Spirit’s innings soon gathered momentum.
Marie Kelly played a composed 45 off 25 balls, laying the foundation for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a quick 25 in a 51‑run partnership with England’s Amy Jones, who anchored the chase.
Kapp’s dismissal to Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin could have been a turning point, but Jones continued to fight, needing 27 runs from the last 22 balls. A hard‑hit sweep was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending Jones’ innings. With five balls remaining, the Spirit required nine runs to win. Matthews faced Deandra Dottin, her fellow Barbadian teammate, and Dottin responded with a boundary off the first ball and a second ball hit straight to extra cover.
Nadine de Klerk then claimed a wicket, removing Kerr at deep mid‑wicket. A single followed, leaving Dottin needing three runs off the final delivery.
Demonstrating composure under pressure, Dottin struck the ball leg‑side, ran two, and secured the tie for London Spirit, keeping their hopes alive by the narrowest of margins. Reflecting on the match, Rockets’ Meerkat Match Hero Beth Mooney told Sky Sports Cricket, “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.” Marie Kelly, another Meerkat Match Hero, shared her feelings after the tie: “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 competition continues to captivate fans with its blend of high‑octane batting, strategic bowling, and unpredictable outcomes.
Upcoming fixtures include Southern Brave hosting Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women’s match kicking off at 3 pm followed by the men’s game at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Viewers can also stream The Hundred and additional cricket content on NOW, ensuring that the excitement remains accessible to a global audience.