England's versatile all‑rounder Nat Sciver‑Brunt timed her entrance to perfection, smashing 32 runs off just 19 balls while batting lower down the order and sealing the Trent Rockets' place in the final of The Hundred with a seventh straight win. The match was a high‑stakes chase of 118 runs, and the league‑leading Rockets stumbled early, slipping to 10 for 3 during the powerplay against Southern Brave – the lowest powerplay total ever recorded in the competition. Although reaching 27 runs would have mathematically guaranteed a spot in the final, the outcome remained uncertain until the very end.
Sciver‑Brunt walked to the crease at the crucial number seven position with the scoreboard reading 66 for 5 and only 31 balls left in the innings. Her teammate Ash Gardner had already provided the top score with a tidy 37, but the innings still needed a steadying hand. Drawing on her extensive experience in both domestic and international cricket, Sciver‑Brunt steadied the ship, rotating the strike and finding boundaries at key moments to keep the run‑rate on track while preserving wickets. The Rockets' chase continued to be tense.
At one point, Sciver‑Brunt attempted a quick single that would have taken the game out of the Southern Brave’s hands, only to be run out. That dismissal could have ended the match in favor of the Rockets, but they managed to limp across the line with two balls remaining, clinching a narrow victory. Southern Brave's total of 117 for 5 was built around a solid top‑order performance.
Maia Bouchier contributed 38 runs, Lizelle Lee added 31, and Laura Woolvaardt chipped in 24, providing a respectable platform that ultimately fell just short of the target. Despite the loss, Brave still have a lifeline, having already secured a spot in the eliminator match at The Kia Oval on Friday. Their next opponent will be determined on Tuesday when third‑placed SunRisers Leeds face fourth‑placed Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford in the final group fixture. Speaking after the match, Sciver‑Brunt expressed her satisfaction with the result: "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 touched on the strategic nature of her late‑order role, noting that the decision to promote her was partly tactical and partly related to managing injuries within the squad. "We have a lot of people in form and high on confidence. We have balanced our side nicely and, building up to Sunday, we sort of know what we need to do," she added.
The Rockets' victory not only guarantees a place in the final on Sunday, August 16, but also underscores the depth of talent in the women's side of The Hundred. Their consistent performances throughout the tournament have positioned them as favourites, and the final promises to be a showcase of high‑octane cricket, with fans able to stream every match on NOW without a contract. Meanwhile, the men's and women's league tables continue to evolve, offering plenty of drama as the season draws to a close. For followers of the competition, Sky Sports provides live coverage, highlights, and in‑depth analysis across multiple platforms, including a dedicated WhatsApp channel for the latest news, videos, and features.
The organization also recommends using the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience. Looking ahead, the Rockets will focus on fine‑tuning their batting order and sharpening their fielding strategies, while Southern Brave will regroup ahead of the eliminator, hoping to capitalize on the momentum they built during the group stage. Both teams have demonstrated resilience and skill, and the upcoming matches are set to deliver more thrilling cricket for fans worldwide.