The clash between Trent Rockets Women and Birmingham Phoenix Women in The Hundred 2025 turned out to be a thrilling contest, with the Rockets holding their nerve to secure a 3-wicket win.
Batting first, Birmingham Phoenix posted a competitive total of 123/6 from their 100 balls. The innings didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts, with Georgia Voll dismissed early for just 6, but Emma Lamb anchored the innings brilliantly with a composed and unbeaten 56* off 42 deliveries.
She kept the scoreboard ticking with smart rotation and well-timed boundaries. Captain Ellyse Perry looked solid in her short stay, adding 14 off 15 balls, as she and Lamb shared a steady 32-run partnership that gave Phoenix some much-needed stability.
The middle order saw Amy Jones (9) and Sterre Kalis (2) fall cheaply, putting more pressure on Lamb to guide the innings. However, Marie Kelly chipped in with 14 runs, and alongside Lamb, put together a useful 29-run stand to keep Phoenix afloat. The finishing touches came from Ailsa Lister, whose quickfire 12 off just 6 balls provided late momentum. Still, the Rockets’ bowlers kept things under control, restricting Phoenix to 123.
Among the bowlers, Kirstie Gordon was the pick of the attack with 2/24, striking at crucial moments. Ashleigh Gardner (1/18) bowled with accuracy through the middle overs, while Alana King (1/21) and Alexa Stonehouse (1/23) chipped in to keep Phoenix from posting a bigger total.
In reply, Trent Rockets showed composure in their chase of 124. They lost Bryony Smith (10 off 10) early, but Grace Scrivens (16 off 21) held one end up and, together with Nat Sciver-Brunt, steadied the innings. The pair forged a crucial 46-run stand, laying the foundation for the chase. Sciver-Brunt, in particular, was outstanding, mixing power with placement to score a fluent 52 off just 29 balls, a knock that shifted the momentum firmly in Trent’s favour.
Though wickets continued to fall at intervals- Ashleigh Gardner (10 off 7) and Jodi Grewcock (8)* tried to hold the chase together, it was the small but vital contributions down the order that made the difference. Alana King’s late cameo of 9 runs provided the final push as Trent Rockets reached 126/7 in 97 balls, sealing victory with just 3 balls to spare.
For Birmingham Phoenix, the bowlers fought hard to defend their total. Phoebe Brett stood out with 3/19, keeping her side in the contest until the final overs. She was well supported by Megan Schutt (2/24), while Emily Arlott (1/22) and Hannah Baker (1/23) chipped in with wickets, but the total proved just short against Trent’s determined batting lineup.
In the end, Nat Sciver-Brunt’s match-winning half-century was the difference, showcasing her class and composure under pressure. The win not only boosted Trent Rockets’ campaign but also highlighted the depth and balance in their side as they overcame a spirited Phoenix bowling attack.
