Sophia Dunkley’s explosive knock of 56 runs from just 33 deliveries propelled the Trent Rockets to a narrow five‑run win over SunRisers Leeds in The Hundred match at Trent Bridge. Dunkley, opening the innings, took charge from the outset, striking the ball with authority and setting a brisk tempo that put the Rockets in a commanding position. Her performance was complemented by a valuable 33‑run cameo from fellow England international Nat Sciver‑Brunt, who scored her runs off 25 balls, and a quick cameo from Bess Heath that helped the side finish their allotted 100 balls at 139 for 7 – a total that, while not massive, was solid enough to defend. The home side’s Australian ace Ash Gardener, who bowled a tidy spell of 1 for 18, made early inroads by dismissing opener Bryony Smith for just 10 runs off 12 balls.
Gardener’s disciplined line kept the Leeds top order in check, limiting Jess Jonassen to 19 off 18 and Phoebe Litchfield to 24 off 22. By the time the Rockets had completed their innings, SunRisers Leeds found themselves trailing the required run‑rate, sitting at 73 for 3 after 64 deliveries. A brief resurgence came when Annabel Sutherland unleashed a spectacular 59‑run unbeaten blitz from 30 balls, injecting fresh hope into the Leeds chase. However, the Rockets’ death‑overs bowling, led by Kim Garth’s economical spell of 0 for 26, held firm.
Even though Sutherland struck a maximum on the final ball, the Rockets managed to cling to their lead and clinch the win, reinforcing their position near the top of the standings. The victory keeps Trent Rockets firmly in second place, while SunRisers Leeds, languishing in seventh, see their hopes of reaching the Eliminator take another hit. In other news from The Hundred, the Manchester Super Giants secured a comfortable six‑wicket triumph over MI London, solidifying their hold on third place.
MI London, still winless and anchored at the bottom of the table, lost the toss and were forced to bat without the services of Danni Wyatt‑Hodge, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to a calf injury. The Giants’ bowlers made an immediate impact. Sophie Ecclestone, opening the bowling for the first time this season, removed both Alice Davidson‑Richards and Hayley Matthews with her first two deliveries, leaving MI London at 1 for 2.
Ecclestone then delivered an exceptionally tight spell, conceding only seven runs from her full quota of 20 balls – the same figure she restricted London Spirit to at Lord’s earlier in the campaign. In addition to her bowling, Ecclestone took two catches and executed a direct‑hit run‑out, showcasing her all‑round prowess.
The rest of the Super Giants’ attack backed her up, applying relentless pressure that forced MI London into a series of mistakes. Fielding captain Meg Lanning orchestrated the defense brilliantly, taking three catches herself and directing the field with precision. When it was Lanning’s turn to bat, she partnered with Smriti Mandhana to chase down the modest target. The opening partnership added just seven runs in the first ten balls but accelerated to 35 during the powerplay, setting a steady platform.
Mandhana contributed a classy 34, and by the time the score reached 73, the outcome was all but certain. MI London’s lower order attempted a final push, with Melie Kerr taking wickets of Richa Ghosh and Paige Scholfield, but the damage was already done. Lanning’s dismissal for 43 lbw late in the innings sealed the win for the Giants, and Mady Villiers struck the winning boundary that confirmed a four‑point haul for Manchester. Ecclestone, hailed as the Meerkat Match Hero, reflected on her performance in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Cricket: "I was thrilled to bowl in the powerplay and get a few wickets.
It was about match‑ups to Hayley and I came on early. We've got a good bowling attack, we have a great line‑up and hope our good form continues.
Nice to get straight in the powerplay, hope Meg gives me more opportunities there." Meanwhile, England’s medical team confirmed that Danni Wyatt‑Hodge will miss the rest of The Hundred after sustaining a left calf tear while scoring an unbeaten 52 in a narrow loss to Southern Brave on July 27. The injury was verified by a scan and assessment, and MI London have replaced her with Ella Claridge.
Wyatt‑Hodge now faces a tight timeline to recover ahead of England’s three‑match ODI series against Ireland in September. Fans can continue to follow all action from The Hundred, including upcoming fixtures and the final on Sunday, August 16, via NOW’s contract‑free streaming service. The tournament promises more thrilling encounters as teams battle for the coveted playoff spots, with the Rockets aiming to maintain their chase for the top, the Super Giants looking to consolidate their podium finish, and the struggling MI London hoping to spark a turnaround before the season concludes.