In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket win over the Welsh Fire, marking their second triumph in this season's women's Hundred competition. The Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney was the catalyst, delivering a blistering 57 runs from just 35 deliveries, which set the tone for a successful chase of the modest target of 130. The Fire, after being bowled out for 129‑3 in their allotted 100 balls, left the Rockets with a manageable task that they completed with aplomb. Mooney’s innings was anchored by a solid opening partnership of 75 runs with England’s Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick‑fire 15 off 17 balls.
The partnership laid a strong foundation, and Mooney reached her half‑century in a mere 27 balls after Nat Sciver‑Brunt joined the fray. Although Em Arlott eventually claimed Mooney’s wicket, the momentum was already in the Rockets’ favor. England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who added an unbeaten 37 off 23 balls, took over the reins, guiding the side home alongside Ash Gardner, who contributed a swift 10 not out off nine balls. The chase wrapped up with 17 balls to spare, underscoring the dominance of the Rockets on the day.
The Fire’s innings was hampered from the outset. After winning the toss and electing to bat, openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) fell within the first nine balls, leaving the side reeling at 28‑2 after just 41 deliveries. Despite a fighting effort from Freya Kemp, who struck 36 runs off 29 balls with four boundaries, and captain Sophie Devine, who added 38 off 25 balls with a mix of fours and sixes, the Fire could not recover fully.
Their total of 129 proved insufficient, resulting in a second defeat in this year’s tournament. Beyond the Rockets‑Fire clash, the tournament also delivered an extraordinary tie between MI London and London Spirit.
Both teams finished on an identical score of 151 runs, producing one of the rarest outcomes in the competition. The draw leaves MI London still searching for their first win, sitting on just two points from four matches and facing an uphill battle to stay in contention for the knockout stages.
MI London’s innings featured a dynamic start from Kiwi star Melie Kerr, who blazed an unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, opening up the off‑side and putting pressure on the Spirit. The final quarter of the innings was dominated by Jamaican powerhouse Chinelle Henry, who smashed an astonishing 33 runs from only 12 balls. The duo’s partnership yielded 55 runs from 23 deliveries, with Henry’s 16 runs coming from the last three balls bowled by Nadine de Klerk, propelling MI London to a competitive total of 151.
The Spirit’s reply was equally dramatic. Marie Kelly provided stability with a fluent 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a quick 25 in a 51‑run stand with England’s Amy Jones, who anchored the chase. However, Kapp fell to a top‑edge off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin, and Jones, despite a solid effort, could not seal the win.
With 27 runs required from 22 balls, Jones attempted a powerful sweep that was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending her innings. The match boiled down to a nail‑biting finish. With five balls remaining, the Spirit needed nine runs. Matthews faced Deandra Dottin, her fellow Barbadian, and Dottin responded with a four on the first ball and another boundary to extra cover on the second.
De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs from the final delivery. She struck the ball leg‑side, managed a quick single, and then hustled back for a second run, securing a tie and keeping her team’s hopes alive by the slimmest of margins.
Reflecting on the match, Marie Kelly, dubbed the Meerkat Match Hero, shared her feelings on 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.” Meanwhile, Mooney praised her side’s collective effort: “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.” Looking ahead, Southern Brave will host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women’s match kicking off at 3 p.m. followed by the men’s fixture at 6:30 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and additional cricket content on the NOW platform, ensuring continuous access to the excitement of this innovative format.