South African all‑rounders Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Kerlk were the catalysts behind London Spirit Women’s inaugural triumph in this season of The Hundred, delivering a decisive five‑wicket win over Trent Rockets at the historic Trent Bridge ground in Nottingham. Kapp’s spell with the ball was nothing short of spectacular. She bowled a tight 20‑ball spell, conceding just 12 runs while claiming three crucial wickets, a figure of 3‑12 that underlined her control and skill.
Remarkably, she gave away only a single run after her 11th delivery, keeping the Rockets’ scoring rate firmly in check. The Rockets managed a total of 142 for 7, a score built partly on the contributions of England’s off‑spinner Charlie Dean, who returned figures of 2‑18, and the home side’s captain Ash Gardner, who topped the chase with a steady 34 runs. When the Spirit began their run chase, they stumbled early, sliding from an unblemished 55 for no loss to a precarious 67 for 4.
The collapse was triggered by the departure of hard‑hitting Grace Harris, who had been scoring at a blistering 37 runs off just 20 balls. However, the innings was rescued by a composed and aggressive partnership between Nadine de Kerlk and Marie Kelly. De Kerlk, who remained unbeaten on 41 runs off 22 balls, anchored the innings while Kelly added a valuable 39 runs. Their partnership steadied the ship and set the platform for a dramatic finish.
With just three balls remaining, de Kerlk sealed the victory by striking a six over deep square leg off the bowling of Georgia Adams. The six not only clinched the match but also marked a memorable moment for the Spirit, who had been seeking their first win after a disappointing opening loss to Manchester Super Giants, where they were bowled out for a meagre 80 runs. That earlier defeat had left the team searching for answers, but the performance at Trent Bridge demonstrated resilience and the ability to bounce back.
Trent Rockets, on the other hand, had experienced a mixed weekend. Their earlier victory over Birmingham Phoenix, a nine‑wicket demolition that saw the Phoenix limited to just 64 runs, had raised expectations. Yet, they could not replicate that dominance against the Spirit.
Notable moments for the Rockets included Sophia Dunkley’s brisk 23 off 15 balls, during which she struck three consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Deandra Dottin. Dottin, however, endured a tough day, returning figures of 0‑32 from her ten deliveries, a stark contrast to the earlier success of her teammates.
Ash Gardner also made an impact with the ball, hitting four boundaries in quick succession against de Kerlk, but it was de Kerlk’s own batting firepower that ultimately decided the match. She amassed two fours and three sixes, the latter including a towering maximum off a full‑toss from Gardner that flew over the covers, showcasing her power‑hitting capabilities. The day’s schedule also featured a women’s match that was abandoned due to rain at Emirates Old Trafford, preventing the Super Giants and Phoenix from taking the field at their 11 am start. The weather interruption underscored the unpredictable nature of cricket’s outdoor environment.
Looking ahead, the latest league tables reflect the shifting fortunes of the teams, with Spirit climbing after their win while Rockets assess what went wrong. Fans can continue to follow the action through live streams on NOW, catch highlights, and stay updated with the latest news and video content from The Hundred. The Sky Sports app remains a convenient way to receive real‑time updates, and the network’s WhatsApp channel offers a steady stream of sports news, analysis, and exclusive features.
The weekend’s packed schedule of four games per day gave way to a more relaxed Monday, featuring a single double‑header. Southern Brave’s women’s side will host MI London at 3 pm, followed by the men’s teams battling it out at 6:30 pm. Both fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, providing cricket enthusiasts with ample opportunity to enjoy high‑quality, competitive cricket as the season progresses.