The Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket triumph over the Welsh Fire in Cardiff, marking their second win of the season in the women’s Hundred competition. Central to the victory was Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney, who smashed a rapid 57 runs off just 35 deliveries, laying the groundwork for a successful chase of the target of 130.
The Fire had been restricted to 129 for three wickets from their full quota of 100 balls, leaving the Rockets with a manageable chase. Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a quick 15 off 17 balls. The opening partnership was a solid 75 runs, providing the Rockets with a stable platform. After Dunkley’s dismissal, Mooney continued her on‑fire form, reaching her half‑century in just 27 balls as she was joined at the crease by fellow England star Nat Sciver‑Brunt.
Mooney’s aggressive stroke‑play and crisp running between the wickets set the tone for the chase. Eventually, England bowler Em Arlott claimed Mooney’s wicket, but the momentum had already shifted in the Rockets’ favour.
Sciver‑Brunt, the England captain, took over the responsibility, adding a quick 37 runs off 23 balls without losing her wicket. She was supported by Ash Gardner, who contributed a brisk 10 runs off just nine balls, and together they steered the Rockets home with 17 balls to spare, sealing a comprehensive win. The Fire’s innings had been hampered from the start.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, they suffered early setbacks as openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) fell within the first nine balls, leaving the side reeling at 28 for two after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp tried to revive the innings, hitting four fours and scoring an unbeaten 36 off 29 balls, while captain Sophie Devine added 38 runs off 25 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes. Despite their efforts, the Fire could only muster 129 runs, a sub‑par total that proved insufficient against a well‑balanced Rockets line‑up.
In other news from the tournament, MI London and London Spirit produced a dramatic tie in a scorching London afternoon, both sides ending on 151 runs. The result leaves MI London still searching for their maiden victory, having collected just two points from four matches and finding themselves on the brink of elimination from the knockout contention.
The tie unfolded as a thrilling chase. MI London, after posting 151, seemed poised to dominate when Kiwi star Melie Kerr delivered an explosive unbeaten 49 off 32 balls, opening the innings with aggressive off‑side play. The final quarter of the innings was dominated by Jamaican batter Chinelle Henry, who smashed an astonishing 33 runs from just 12 deliveries. Together, Kerr and Henry forged a 55‑run partnership in just 23 balls, with Henry hitting a rapid 16 from the last three balls bowled by Nadine de Klerk, propelling MI London to a competitive total.
When London Spirit began their reply, they faced early pressure as Henry’s early strike induced a leading edge from Grace Harris, giving MI London a promising start. However, the Spirit fought back. Marie Kelly displayed elegant stroke‑play, crafting a composed 45 off 25 balls, which set the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp. Kapp contributed a quickfire 25 runs in a 51‑run partnership with Amy Jones, who anchored the chase with steady accumulation.
Kapp’s innings ended when she top‑edged a delivery from off‑spinner Hayley Matthews, but Jones continued to keep the chase alive. With 27 runs required from 22 balls, Jones attempted a hard sweep that was caught by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending her innings. The Spirit still needed nine runs from the final five balls. Matthews, bowling to fellow Barbadian Deandra Dottin, delivered a tight over.
Dottin struck the first ball for four and the second ball straight to extra cover, narrowing the gap. Nadine de Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs off the final ball. Dottin swung hard, sending the ball to the leg side and managed to scamper back for two, completing the tie by the narrowest of margins and keeping her side’s hopes alive in the competition.
Reflecting on the match, Meerkat Match Hero Beth Mooney told Sky Sports Cricket, "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, another Meerkat Match Hero, shared her feelings after 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 scheduled for 3 pm followed by the men's game at 6:30 pm, both broadcast live on Sky Sports. Fans can also stream The Hundred and additional cricket content on NOW, ensuring continuous access to the tournament’s latest developments, tables, squad announcements for 2026, and exclusive video highlights.