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, smashing a rapid 57 runs from just 35 deliveries to set the tone for a successful chase of 130 runs.
The Fire had been restricted to 129 for three wickets in their allotted 100 balls, leaving the Rockets with a modest target. Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s promising all‑rounder Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick 15 off 17 balls. The opening partnership blossomed into a 75‑run stand, laying a solid foundation.
After Dunkley’s dismissal, Mooney continued to dominate, reaching her half‑century in a brisk 27 balls as she was joined by the experienced Nat Sciver‑Brunt. Mooney’s aggressive strokeplay, featuring a blend of powerful drives and deft flicks, kept the run‑rate high and ensured the Rockets never fell behind the required pace.
Eventually, England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who had contributed a quick 37 not out off 23 balls, took over the reins. Together with Ash Gardner, who added a swift 10 not out off nine deliveries, they guided the Rockets to the finish line with 17 balls to spare. The partnership between Mooney and Sciver‑Brunt proved decisive, showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. The Fire’s innings, however, never really got off the ground.
After winning the toss, they chose to bat but quickly lost both openers—Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6)—within the first nine balls, leaving them at a precarious 28 for two after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp attempted to revive the innings, scoring an aggressive 36 not out off 29 balls, peppered with four boundaries.
Captain Sophie Devine added 38 runs off 25 balls, including two fours and two sixes, providing a brief surge. Despite their efforts, the Fire could not post a competitive total and suffered their second defeat of the tournament. In related news, the men’s fixtures saw MI London and London Spirit lock horns in a dramatic tie. Both sides finished on 151 runs, a result that leaves MI London still searching for their inaugural victory, sitting on just two points from four games and fighting to stay in the knockout race.
The match unfolded on a scorching London afternoon. MI London appeared poised to dominate, with Kiwi star Melie Kerr in scintillating form, scoring an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls. The final overs were dominated by Jamaican powerhouse Chinelle Henry, who smashed an astonishing 33 runs from only 12 deliveries.
Their partnership yielded 55 runs off 23 balls, with Henry capitalising on the final three deliveries from Nadine de Klerk to push MI London to the 151‑run mark. London Spirit’s chase began strongly.
Marie Kelly, in fine touch, crafted a graceful 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a quickfire 25, forming a 51‑run partnership with England’s Amy Jones, who anchored the innings with composure. Kapp’s dismissal, caught off the off‑spin of Hayley Matthews, threatened to shift momentum, but Jones continued to fight, needing 27 runs from the last 22 balls. In a tense climax, Jones attempted a hard sweep that was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, a reminder of Carey’s reputation as one of the sport’s premier fielders.
With five balls remaining, the Spirit required nine runs. Matthews, bowling to fellow Barbadian Deandra Dottin, delivered a crucial over. Dottin struck the first ball for four and the second straight to extra cover, narrowing the gap. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs from the final ball.
Demonstrating nerves of steel, Dottin struck the ball into the leg side, ran two, and secured the final run, completing a tie by the slimmest of margins and keeping her side’s hopes alive. Reflecting on the match, Marie Kelly told 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." Looking ahead, the Southern Brave will host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, with the women's game kicking off at 3 p.m. followed by the men's contest at 6:30 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and additional cricket action on NOW, ensuring continuous coverage of the tournament’s excitement.