Sophia Dunkley’s explosive knock of 56 runs from just 33 deliveries proved the decisive factor that sent the Trent Rockets soaring to a narrow five‑run triumph over SunRisers Leeds in The Hundred match held at Trent Bridge. Dunkley, who opened the innings, displayed a blend of power and precision that left the opposition scrambling, while her fellow England teammate Nat Sciver‑Brunt added a valuable 33 from 25 balls, and lower‑order batter Bess Heath chipped in with a quick cameo.
Together they pushed the Rockets to a respectable total of 139 for 7 after the allotted 100 balls, a score that, while not monumental, was solid enough to defend. The home side’s Australian star Ash Gardener (figures of 1‑18) made an early impact with the ball, dismissing opening batter Bryony Smith for just 10 runs off 12 deliveries.
Gardener then kept a tight leash on the middle order, limiting Jess Jonassen to 19 from 18 balls and Phoebe Litchfield to 24 from 22, which left SunRisers Leeds trailing the required run‑rate at 73 for 3 after 64 balls. The pressure mounted, but a late surge from Annabel Sutherland revived hopes for the visitors. Sutherland smashed an unbeaten 59 off only 30 balls, showcasing her ability to dominate the death overs. However, her heroics arrived too late; Kim Garth’s disciplined spell at the death—conceding just 26 runs from her final overs—helped the Rockets hold firm and seal the win.
The victory bolsters the Rockets’ position in the competition, keeping them firmly in second place on the league table. In contrast, SunRisers Leeds, now sitting seventh, see their aspirations of reaching the Eliminator round dwindle further after this setback. In other news from The Hundred, the Manchester Super Giants reinforced their third‑place standing with a convincing six‑wicket win over MI London.
MI London, still winless and languishing at the bottom of the table, lost the toss and were forced to bat first, a daunting task especially after the loss of all‑rounder Danni Wyatt‑Hodge, who has been ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a calf injury. The innings began poorly for MI London. Sophie Ecclestone, opening the bowling for the Super Giants for the first time this season, struck early, removing both Alice Davidson‑Richards and Hayley Matthews for ducks, leaving the hosts at 1 for 2 after just eight balls.
Ecclestone’s spell was a masterclass in economy and control; she bowled 20 deliveries conceding only seven runs, mirroring the tight figures she posted earlier in the season against London Spirit at Lord’s. In addition to her economical spell, she took two catches and executed a direct‑hit run‑out, contributing significantly to the fielding effort. The rest of the Super Giants bowling unit backed up Ecclestone’s brilliance, applying relentless pressure that saw MI London’s scoring opportunities evaporate.
Fielding captain Meg Lanning orchestrated a superb defensive display, taking three catches and ensuring the opposition never settled. When it was Lanning’s turn to bat, she partnered with Smriti Mandhana to steer the chase. The pair accumulated a modest seven runs in the first ten balls but then accelerated, adding 35 runs during the powerplay. Their partnership set the tone, and Mandhana’s elegant 34‑run contribution, made while the score sat at 73, underscored the inevitability of the chase.
MI London attempted a late rally, with Melie Kerr taking wickets of Richa Ghosh and Paige Scholfield, but the damage was already done. Lanning’s wicket fell lbw for 43, yet Mady Villiers finished the job by striking the winning boundary, ensuring the Super Giants walked away with four points and cementing their belief that they will be contenders as the tournament reaches its climax.
After the match, Ecclestone reflected on her performance in a Sky Sports interview, saying, “I was thrilled to bowl in the powerplay and pick up a couple of wickets. It was all about the match‑ups, especially against Hayley, and getting in early helped us set the tone. We have a strong bowling attack and a solid lineup, and I hope to keep this momentum going.
It’s great to be trusted in the powerplay, and I look forward to more opportunities there.” The England medical team confirmed that Danni Wyatt‑Hodge’s left‑calf tear, sustained during her unbeaten 52 in a narrow loss to Southern Brave on July 27, will keep her out of the remaining fixtures for MI London. The team announced that Ella Claridge has been called up as her replacement, and Wyatt‑Hodge now faces a tight timeline to recover in time for England’s three‑match ODI series against Ireland in September. Fans can continue to follow every match of The Hundred up to the finals on Sunday, August 16, with live streaming available on NOW, which offers contract‑free access to the competition along with a host of other cricket content.
The tournament’s latest tables, squad announcements for the 2026 season, and additional news and video highlights are regularly updated on Sky Sports’ platforms, including their WhatsApp service, ensuring supporters stay informed about scores, player injuries, and upcoming fixtures. Overall, the weekend’s action highlighted the depth of talent across the league, the importance of strategic bowling in the powerplay, and the resilience of teams battling for playoff spots.
With the Rockets solidifying a top‑two finish, the Super Giants maintaining a strong third‑place claim, and MI London still searching for their first win, the race to the Hundred final promises to deliver further drama, skillful performances, and memorable moments for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.