In a thrilling encounter at Cardiff, the Trent Rockets secured a comfortable eight‑wicket victory over the Welsh Fire, marking their second win in this season's The Hundred women's competition. The Australian wicket‑keeper‑batter Beth Mooney was the standout, crafting a rapid 57 runs from just 35 deliveries to lay the platform for a successful chase of 130 runs. The Fire, after being put into bat first, managed only 129 for three in their allotted 100 balls, setting the stage for the Rockets' chase.
Mooney opened the innings alongside England’s promising all‑rounder Sophia Dunkley, who contributed a brisk 15 off 17 balls. The opening partnership quickly grew to 75 runs, providing the Rockets with a solid start. Mooney reached her half‑century in a mere 27 balls after Nat Sciver‑Brunt joined her at the crease, reinforcing the momentum. Although Em Arlott eventually dismissed Mooney, the innings was well‑served by England captain Sciver‑Brunt, who added 37 not out off 23 balls.
Together with Ash Gardner’s quick 10‑run cameo off nine balls, they guided the side home with 17 balls to spare. The Fire’s innings faltered early when openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) were dismissed within nine balls, leaving the side at 28 for two after just 41 deliveries. Freya Kemp attempted a recovery, scoring an unbeaten 36 off 29 balls with four boundaries, while captain Sophie Devine added 38 off 25 balls, hitting 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 remarkable tie on a scorching London afternoon, both teams finishing on 151 runs. The dead‑heat leaves MI London still searching for their first win, sitting on just two points from four matches and fighting to stay in contention for the knockout stages.
MI London’s chase began strongly, with Kiwi star Melie Kerr in imperious form, smashing an unbeaten 49 from 32 balls. The final burst came from Jamaican powerhouse Chinelle Henry, who smashed 33 runs from only 12 balls, adding 55 runs in a 23‑ball partnership.
Henry’s explosive hitting, including a six off Nadine de Klerk’s last three deliveries, propelled MI London to a competitive total of 151. The Spirit’s reply was equally dramatic. Marie Kelly provided stability with a fluent 45 off 25 balls, setting the stage for South African all‑rounder Marizanne Kapp.
Kapp contributed a quickfire 25 in a 51‑run partnership with Amy Jones, who anchored the innings. However, Kapp fell to a top‑edge off Hayley Matthews’ off‑spin. Jones then attempted to steady the chase, but with 27 runs required from 22 balls, she was caught on a hard sweep by Nicola Carey at deep square leg, ending her innings.
With five balls remaining, the Spirit needed nine runs. Matthews faced Deandra Dottin, her fellow Barbadian, and Dottin responded by hitting a four on the first ball and a second four to extra cover. De Klerk then dismissed Kerr at deep mid‑wicket, leaving Dottin needing three runs from the final delivery.
She struck a leg‑side shot, managed a single, and then a second run, securing the tie for the Spirit and keeping their campaign alive by the slimmest of margins. 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." Beth Mooney, hailed as the Meerkat Match Hero, also commented on the Rockets’ win: "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." The Hundred continues to deliver high‑octane cricket, with upcoming fixtures featuring Southern Brave hosting Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday. The women's match will kick off at 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 the NOW platform, ensuring round‑the‑clock access to the competition’s drama and excitement.