On August 7th, the iconic Trent Bridge saw Trent Rockets facing off against London Spirit in the Women’s Hundred Competition. The Trent Rockets set the stage with a solid batting performance, posting 158/5 in their 100 balls. Bryony Smith (34 off 22) and Grace Scrivens (55 off 43) provided a strong opening partnership, accumulating runs at a brisk pace.
Smith’s aggressive start, featuring four boundaries and a six, laid the foundation before she was run out by Charlie Dean. Scrivens continued the momentum, striking nine boundaries to lead the Rockets’ charge.
Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt contributed a quick 21 off 12 balls, including two boundaries and a six, before falling to Deepti Sharma. Despite the quick dismissals of Ashleigh Gardner (8 off 8) and Alana King (7 off 4), Heather Graham’s unbeaten 22 off 12 balls, including four boundaries, ensured the Rockets reached a competitive total. Deepti Sharma was the standout bowler for London Spirit, claiming 2/25 in her 20 balls.
Chasing 159, London Spirit struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Rockets’ bowling attack. Ashleigh Gardner’s exceptional spell of 3/23 turned the tide in favour of the Rockets. Gardner struck early, dismissing Georgia Redmayne (3 off 9) and Cordelia Griffith (0 off 1) in quick succession, leaving Spirit at 21/2.
Meg Lanning (23 off 18) and Heather Knight (29 off 20) attempted to steady the ship, but Alana King’s twin strikes dismissed both, further derailing Spirit’s chase. Danielle Gibson (13 off 10) showed some resistance but fell to Gardner, leaving Spirit in a precarious position.
Deepti Sharma (30* off 23) fought valiantly till the end, but regular wickets at the other end hindered any significant partnerships. King’s 3/23 complimented Gardner’s efforts, and despite some lower-order contributions, Spirit fell short, managing 127/7 in their 100 balls.
Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round performance, including crucial wickets and tight bowling, earned her the Player of the Match award as Trent Rockets secured a comprehensive 31-run victory over London Spirit. The Rockets’ total of 158/5 proved too challenging for Spirit, who were restricted to 127/7 despite Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 30.
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