In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket win over Welsh Fire, marking their second triumph in this season's The Hundred women's tournament. The Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney was the catalyst, delivering a dazzling 57 runs off just 35 deliveries to set the tone for the chase of 130 runs.
Fire had been restricted to 129 for three in their allotted 100 balls, leaving the Rockets with a manageable target. Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s dynamic all‑rounder Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick 15 off 17 balls.
The opening partnership blossomed into a 75‑run stand, providing a solid platform. After Nat Sciver‑Brunt joined Mooney at the crease, the Australian reached her half‑century in a brisk 27 balls, further consolidating the Rockets' advantage. Em Arlott eventually claimed Mooney’s wicket, but the momentum was already with Trent.
England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who had been dismissed for 37 not out off 23 balls earlier, took up the mantle and, together with Ash Gardner’s swift 10 not out off 9 balls, guided the side home with 17 balls to spare. The victory was underpinned by Fire’s sub‑par total, a consequence of a poor decision at the toss that saw them bat first.
Fire’s top order collapsed early, with openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) falling within nine balls, leaving the side at 28 for 2 after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp attempted a recovery, striking four fours in a quick 36 not out off 29 balls, while captain Sophie Devine added 38 off 25, including two fours and two sixes. Despite their efforts, the total proved insufficient, handing the Rockets a second defeat in the competition.
In related news, MI London and London Spirit produced a dramatic tie on a scorching London afternoon, both sides finishing on 151 runs. The result leaves MI London still searching for their inaugural win, with only two points from four matches, jeopardising their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
MI London seemed poised for victory after a strong start. Kiwi star Melie Kerr opened aggressively, scoring an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls. The innings climaxed with Jamaican powerhouse Chinelle Henry delivering a blistering 33 off just 12 balls, including a six‑run over from the final three deliveries of Nadine de Klerk’s spell, propelling MI London to 151. However, the Spirit’s chase was equally compelling.
Marie Kelly steadied the innings with a fluent 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a rapid 25 in a 51‑run partnership with England’s Amy Jones, who anchored the chase.
Though Kapp fell to a top‑edge off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin, Jones continued the pursuit. With 27 runs required from 22 balls, Jones attempted a sweeping shot that was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg. The catch was clean, and the Spirit still needed nine runs from the final five balls.
Matthews, bowling to fellow Barbadian Deandra Dottin, delivered a dot ball followed by a boundary, reducing the equation to three runs needed off the last delivery. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin with a single ball to win. She struck the ball towards the leg side, managed a quick single, and then a second run, securing a tie for the Spirit and keeping their campaign alive by the narrowest of margins. Mooney reflected on the Rockets’ performance in a Sky Sports Cricket interview, noting, "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 also shared her thoughts on the tie, saying, "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." Looking ahead, Southern Brave will host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women's match kicking off at 3 p.m. on Sky Sports, followed by the men's fixture at 6:30 p.m.
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