The Trent Rockets secured their place in the knockout phase of The Hundred thanks to a decisive six‑wicket triumph over MI London, a win that was anchored by a crucial 78‑run partnership between Mitch Santner and Tim David. Chasing a target of 148 runs to claim what would be their sixth win out of seven matches, the Rockets stumbled early in their innings. They found themselves at 70 for four after losing the wickets of Finn Allen, Aneurin Donald, Sam Billings and Ben Duckett, a situation that threatened to derail their chase.
However, the middle order stepped up dramatically. Tim David smashed an unbeaten 32 runs off just 24 balls, while Santner, who arrived at the crease in a precarious position, responded with a blistering 52 not out off only 23 deliveries.
Their combined effort propelled the side to a comfortable finish with ten balls remaining, sealing the win and confirming their progression to the knockout stage. The victory extended the Rockets' lead at the top of the league table to eight points. They also retained a superior net‑run rate over fourth‑placed Welsh Fire, who still have two matches left to play, meaning the Rockets are in a strong position to finish the group phase as the top seed.
MI London’s innings began poorly as they lost opener James Vince and the dynamic Nicholas Pooran in quick succession. After Will Jacks contributed a rapid 39, the home side turned to Sam Curran for a rescue act. Curran delivered an explosive cameo, striking five sixes and four fours in a 46‑ball, 72‑run knock.
Despite his heroics, MI London could only muster 147 for seven, falling short of the Rockets' total. After the match, Rockets' wicket‑keeper Sam Billings addressed a confrontation with MI London bowler Richard Gleeson that had occurred when his wicket fell. Billings said, "Everyone enjoys a hard‑fought contest on the field, but there’s a line you shouldn’t cross once the game is decided.
I wasn’t happy with the way it ended. Gleeson seemed to apologise on the walk‑off, but I think his behaviour was poor. You can be competitive and still show respect. It makes the victory even sweeter today." In other news from the same round of fixtures, Manchester Super Giants bolstered their push for a top‑three finish by edging Southern Brave by ten runs at the Utilita Bowl.
The Giants posted 149 for eight, anchored by a massive opening stand of 119 runs between Tim Seifert and Paul Walter. Seifert contributed a quick‑fire 55 off 34 balls before being run out by Moeen Ali, while Walter smashed 64 off 32 balls, peppering his innings with six fours and four sixes. The Brave’s chase collapsed in the final overs, despite a late surge from Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 28 balls, and useful contributions from Jamie Smith (26) and Marcus Stoinis (21).
Nikhil Chaudhary added a quick 19 from 10 balls, but Gus Atkinson’s disciplined death‑over bowling proved decisive, allowing the Super Giants to leapfrog into the top three on net run‑rate. The tournament schedule continues with a packed four‑match day, featuring two games each at Headingley and Lord’s. At Headingley, SunRisers Leeds will open the day against Welsh Fire, with the women’s match slated for 11:00 am and the men’s contest following at 2:30 pm.
Both sides are fighting for valuable points as the season draws to a close. Later at Lord’s, London Spirit will face Birmingham Phoenix. The women’s fixture begins at 2:30 pm, while the men’s game kicks off at 6:00 pm.
Both teams have already been eliminated from their respective competitions, but they will still be looking to end the campaign on a high note and preserve pride. Fans can continue to follow every remaining match of The Hundred, culminating in the finals on Sunday, 16 August, via the NOW streaming service, which offers contract‑free access to live coverage.
The tournament promises more thrilling moments, dramatic finishes, and the chance for teams to cement their places in cricket history as the season reaches its climax.