Rockets Edge Out Phoenix in Thrilling Victory

In a tense match at Edgbaston, Trent Rockets managed to secure a narrow three-wicket win over Birmingham Phoenix, keeping their hopes of a top-three finish alive in The Hundred women's competition. Despite a late collapse, the Rockets held on to chase down a modest target of 113 with just three balls to spare.

Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt delivered an impressive all-round performance, claiming 2-16 with the ball and contributing 34 runs off 25 balls during the chase. Her efforts seemed to have put the Rockets on course for a straightforward victory. However, her dismissal, which left the Rockets needing 24 runs from 28 balls, triggered a dramatic turn of events. The team lost 4-12, leaving them precariously placed at 101-7.

The match took a controversial turn when Josie Groves was caught off a full toss by Emily Arlott with nine runs still required. Upon review, the third umpire deemed the ball a no-ball as it was above waist height when Groves, having advanced down the pitch, made contact. This decision reduced the target to seven runs, and Groves capitalised, securing the win with three balls remaining.

Earlier in the match, Phoenix had been rescued by a crucial 95-run partnership between opener Sterre Kalis and Richa Ghosh. Their stand, the highest fourth-wicket partnership in The Hundred women’s competition, came after Phoenix had faltered to 9-3 within the first 15 balls.

The victory lifts the Rockets to fourth place, level on points with the Northern Superchargers, who are currently third. With one round of group stage matches remaining, the Rockets will face the second-placed Oval Invincibles on Wednesday. A win in that match would secure their place in the next round.

On the other hand, this defeat means the Phoenix are out of the competition. Key points to note include Sciver-Brunt and Ashleigh Gardner, each taking two wickets in two balls at different stages of the Phoenix innings. Phoenix was without Sophie Devine due to an ankle injury, and Issy Wong, making her first appearance since July 27, took 1-15 from 20 balls. Sciver-Brunt has now amassed 303 runs in this year’s competition, surpassing the previous record of 295 set by Danni Wyatt in 2023.