England's all‑round star Nat Sciver‑Brunt delivered a perfectly timed cameo, smashing 32 runs off just 19 balls from the lower order to seal Trent Rockets' passage to the championship match of The Hundred, marking their seventh straight win in the competition. The Rockets entered the chase needing 118 runs to clinch victory. After a shaky start that saw them tumble to 10 for 3 during the powerplay – the lowest powerplay total ever recorded in the tournament's history – the side still had a clear path to the final, as reaching 27 runs would have guaranteed progression. However, the outcome remained uncertain until the final overs.
Sciver‑Brunt walked to the crease at the crucial seventh wicket with the score perched at 66 for 5 and only 31 balls left in the innings. Her teammate Ash Gardner had already provided a solid foundation, top‑scoring with 37 runs.
Bringing her wealth of experience to the situation, Sciver‑Brunt steadied the ship and ensured the Rockets avoided any further drama. She was eventually run out while attempting a second‑run that would have sealed the win, but the side still managed to finish the chase with two balls to spare, confirming their place in the final. Southern Brave, the opposition, had posted 117 for 5, a total built largely on contributions from their top order: Maia Bouchier made 38, Lizelle Lee added 31, and Laura Woolvaardt contributed 24. Despite the loss, the Brave remain in contention, having already secured a spot in the eliminator scheduled for Friday at The Kia Oval.
Their next opponent will be decided on Tuesday when the third‑placed SunRisers Leeds and the fourth‑placed Manchester Super Giants face off at Emirates Old Trafford in the final group fixture. After the match, Sciver‑Brunt reflected on the experience, saying, "I'm happy to be on the winning side.
The wicket was a bit slow, and they bowled pretty well in the first half." She also addressed her role batting down the order, explaining that the decision was partly tactical and partly related to injury management. "We have a lot of people in form and high on confidence," she added.
"We have balanced our side nicely and, building up to Sunday, we sort of know what we need to do." The Rockets' victory not only underscores Sciver‑Brunt's ability to perform under pressure but also highlights the depth of talent within the squad. Their consistent run of wins has positioned them as league leaders, and the momentum they have generated will be crucial as they prepare for the final on Sunday, August 16.
Fans can follow every match of The Hundred through to the finals via the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free access. Additionally, Sky Sports provides live coverage, with updates, videos, and analysis available on their WhatsApp channel for those who want the latest sports news at their fingertips. The broader context of the tournament sees both men's and women's tables evolving rapidly, with teams jostling for playoff positions as the season draws to a close.
The Hundred's innovative format, featuring 100‑ball innings and a focus on fast‑paced entertainment, continues to attract new audiences, and performances like Sciver‑Brunt's serve to showcase the high skill level present in women's cricket. As the Rockets gear up for the final, they will look to maintain the balance between aggressive batting and disciplined bowling that has defined their campaign so far.
Looking ahead, the final promises to be a showcase of the best talent in the league. The Rockets will need to build on the confidence generated by Sciver‑Brunt's innings and the collective effort of the side.
Their opponents, likely to be either SunRisers Leeds or Manchester Super Giants, will present a fresh challenge, and the outcome will hinge on which team can execute their game plan most effectively under the pressure of a championship decider. For viewers, the final will be streamed live on Sky Sports and NOW, with additional highlights and key moments available on the official Hundred platforms. The tournament continues to push the boundaries of traditional cricket, delivering a product that blends excitement, accessibility, and high‑quality competition. As the season reaches its climax, all eyes will be on the players who can rise to the occasion, and Nat Sciver‑Brunt has already proven she belongs among them.