Sophia Dunkley’s explosive 56 runs off just 33 deliveries lifted the Trent Rockets to a narrow five‑run triumph over SunRisers Leeds in The Hundred match at Trent Bridge. Dunkley’s aggressive opening knock set the tone, but she was well supported by fellow England international Nat Sciver‑Brunt, who contributed a brisk 33 from 25 balls, and a quick cameo from Bess Heath. Together they posted a respectable total of 139 for 7 after the allotted 100 balls, a score that, while not massive, proved defendable thanks to disciplined bowling later on.
The home side’s Australian ace Ash Gardener made an early impact with the ball, snaring the first wicket by dismissing opener Bryony Smith for just 10 runs off 12 deliveries. Gardener kept the pressure on the Leeds batting line‑up, restricting the experienced Jess Jonassen to 19 off 18 and limiting rising star Phoebe Litchfield to 24 off 22. By the time Leeds had faced 64 balls, they found themselves 73 for 3, well behind the required run‑rate and in need of a dramatic recovery.
Annabel Sutherland sparked a glimmer of hope for the SunRisers when she unleashed a blistering 59‑not‑out off only 30 balls, displaying power hitting and a keen eye for boundaries. However, her late‑innings surge was insufficient to overturn the deficit. In the final overs, Kim Garth delivered a tidy death‑over spell, conceding just 26 runs from her full quota and preventing Sutherland from converting a potential last‑ball six into a match‑winning moment.
The Rockets held their nerve, securing the win and cementing their place second on the league table. The result also dealt a further blow to SunRisers Leeds, who now sit seventh and see their chances of reaching the Eliminator round dwindle. Their campaign will require a swift bounce‑back if they hope to stay in contention as the tournament progresses. In related news, the Manchester Super Giants reinforced their third‑place standing with a comfortable six‑wicket victory over MI London.
The London side, still winless and languishing at the bottom of the standings, 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 competition due to a calf injury. The innings began poorly for MI London. After just eight deliveries, Sophie Ecclestone, opening the bowling for the first time this season, struck early by removing both Alice Davidson‑Richards and Hayley Matthews, leaving the hosts at 1 for 2.
Ecclestone’s spell was both economical and lethal; she gave away only seven runs in her full 20‑ball spell, mirroring the figures she posted against London Spirit at Lord’s earlier in the season. In addition to her tight bowling, she claimed two catches and executed a direct‑hit run‑out, showcasing her all‑round fielding prowess.
The Super Giants’ bowling unit continued to apply relentless pressure, with every bowler contributing to the collapse of MI London’s chase. Fielding captain Meg Lanning orchestrated a brilliant defensive effort, taking three catches herself and ensuring that every run was hard‑won.
When it was Lanning’s turn to bat, she partnered with Smriti Mandhana to steady the innings. The pair accumulated a modest seven runs in the first ten balls, then accelerated to 35 during the powerplay, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Mandhana added a classy 34 runs as the scoreboard crept to 73, at which point the target seemed within reach.
Although MI London fought back, taking wickets of Richa Ghosh and Paige Scholfield thanks to Melie Kerr’s spirited bowling, the damage was done. Lanning fell lbw for 43 late in the innings, but Mady Villiers sealed the win with a decisive boundary, guaranteeing the Super Giants four points and bolstering their confidence heading into the latter stages of the tournament. Speaking after the match, Ecclestone praised her powerplay spell, saying, “I was thrilled to bowl early and pick up a couple of wickets. It was about the right match‑ups, especially against Hayley, and getting in early helped us set the tone.” She also highlighted the team’s depth, noting, “We have a strong bowling attack and a solid line‑up.
I hope to get more opportunities in the powerplay as we continue our good form.” The medical update confirmed that Danni Wyatt‑Hodge’s left‑calf tear, sustained during her unbeaten 52 in a narrow loss to Southern Brave on July 27, will keep her out of the remaining Hundred fixtures. The MI London squad has brought in Ella Claridge as her replacement, and 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, including live streams of upcoming matches and the final on August 16, via NOW and Sky Sports platforms. The Hundred remains a showcase of emerging talent and seasoned internationals, delivering high‑octane cricket and dramatic finishes that keep supporters on the edge of their seats.