LONDON — Trent Rockets ended London Spirit's unbeaten start to The Hundred 2025 with a commanding 33-run victory, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten half-century from Nat Sciver-Brunt.
Sciver-Brunt Shines in Rockets' First Win
The Rockets, who had lost their opening two matches, finally found their rhythm as Sciver-Brunt's 52* off 38 balls anchored their innings. Her composed knock, featuring six boundaries, ensured a competitive total of 145/5. "I just wanted to bat through and give us a platform," she said post-match.
Spirit, the defending champions, had looked unstoppable with two wins from two, but their chase faltered early. Key wickets, including opener Beth Mooney for just 12, left them struggling at 35/3. Despite a late fightback from Grace Harris (28 off 18), the target proved too steep.
Turning Points: Rockets' Bowling Dominance
The Rockets' bowlers delivered under pressure, with Sophie Ecclestone (2/18) and Alana King (2/22) stifling Spirit's middle order. Ecclestone's dismissal of Heather Knight (19) was pivotal, breaking a promising partnership. "We knew we had to take early wickets to put them on the back foot," Ecclestone remarked.
Key Moments:
- Sciver-Brunt's 50* – the highest score of the match
- Ecclestone's double-wicket over
- Spirit's top-order collapse (35/3 in 30 balls)
Spirit's Batting Struggles
Despite their strong start to the tournament, Spirit's batting lineup crumbled under disciplined bowling. Only Harris and Knight reached double figures, with the rest falling cheaply. Captain Knight admitted, "We were outplayed today. Credit to Trent, they executed their plans perfectly."
What This Means for the Standings
The win lifts Rockets off the bottom of the table, while Spirit remain in the top three. With the tournament still in its early stages, both teams have time to adjust. Rockets' coach, Jon Lewis, praised his side's resilience: "This is the standard we need to maintain."
Looking Ahead
Spirit will look to bounce back against Birmingham Phoenix, while Rockets face a tough test against Southern Brave. If Sciver-Brunt and Ecclestone maintain this form, they could spark a turnaround for Trent.
Result: Trent Rockets 145/5 (Sciver-Brunt 52*) beat London Spirit 112/7 (Harris 28) by 33 runs.