The Trent Rockets have firmly secured their place in the knockout phase of The Hundred’s women’s tournament, cruising to a decisive nine‑wicket victory over MI London, who had already been eliminated from contention. The match unfolded at a brisk pace, with the Rockets chasing down a modest target of 122 runs and finishing the chase with 18 balls to spare, marking their fifth consecutive win of the campaign. The cornerstone of the Rockets’ batting display was a spectacular partnership between Nat Sciver‑Brunt and Beth Mooney.
Sciver‑Brunt smashed an unbeaten 67 runs off just 36 deliveries, while Mooney contributed an unbeaten 54 off 44 balls. Their combined effort produced a 118‑run stand, the second‑largest partnership ever recorded in the history of the women’s Hundred competition.
This partnership not only steadied the innings after an early wicket but also propelled the team comfortably past the required total. On the bowling side, Australian left‑arm spinner Sam Bates made a significant impact early in MI London’s innings.
Bates claimed three wickets for just 13 runs, a performance that lifted him into a joint‑lead position on the tournament’s wicket‑taking leaderboard. His breakthrough came when he dismissed Hayley Matthews for 10 runs, trapping her leg‑before‑wicket. This early strike set the tone for what would become a rapid collapse for the hosts.
MI London began their innings with a promising start, reaching 28 runs without losing a wicket. However, the momentum quickly shifted after Bates’ key dismissal.
The next wicket fell when Hollie Armitage was bowled for just four runs by Charley Phillips. Bates then struck twice in quick succession: he bowled Kira Chathli, who had been scoring briskly at 31 off 27 balls, and soon after forced a smart stumping of Nicola Carey by Beth Mooney. By the time these wickets fell, London were reeling at 49 for 4, and a review by the fielding side prevented a potential hat‑trick when Alice Monaghan survived a close call.
Despite the early setbacks, MI London attempted a recovery. Monaghan, a capable middle‑order batter, added a quickfire 27 runs off 21 balls, while Melie Kerr contributed 17 off 14. Their efforts were bolstered by Chinelle Henry, who hit a flurry of boundaries and added another 27 runs off 21 balls.
Nevertheless, the total of 121 for 5 fell well short of the standard required to challenge a Rockets side that had been in dominant form throughout the season. The Rockets’ chase began with a minor hiccup when Sophia Dunkley was dismissed for a first‑ball duck. However, the loss was quickly mitigated as Sciver‑Brunt and Mooney settled in and built their record partnership.
Their aggressive yet controlled batting ensured the target was reached well before the allotted overs expired, confirming the Rockets’ progression to the knockout stage. Beyond the match itself, the broader context of The Hundred’s schedule continues to unfold. The latest league tables show the Rockets comfortably positioned, while other teams are battling for the remaining knockout spots.
Fans can stream all matches, including the upcoming fixtures at Headingley and Lord’s, via the NOW platform, which offers a free, contract‑free viewing experience. In other tournament news, the Manchester Super Giants, powered by a strong Indian duo of Richa Ghosh and Smriti Mandhana, secured a crucial 27‑run win over Southern Brave, keeping their eliminator hopes alive.
Ghosh’s explosive 54 off 34 balls, featuring five fours and three sixes, anchored a solid 83‑run second‑wicket partnership, while Mandhana added 46 off 36 balls to cement the victory. Meanwhile, the Brave’s top scorer, Laura Wolvaardt, managed 36 off 28 balls before falling to Mady Villiers, who claimed three wickets for 17 runs. The upcoming four‑match day promises further excitement, with two games scheduled at each of Headingley and Lord’s. SunRisers Leeds will open the day against Welsh Fire, followed by a men’s clash later in the afternoon.
Later, London Spirit will face Birmingham Phoenix in both the women's and men's fixtures, both sides seeking pride despite having been eliminated from the competition. Overall, the Rockets’ dominant performance against MI London not only underscores their batting depth and bowling potency but also highlights the competitive spirit that defines The Hundred. As the tournament moves toward its climax, supporters can look forward to high‑stakes encounters, thrilling finishes, and the chance to witness historic moments as teams vie for the coveted title.