Trent Rockets beat Welsh Fire by eight wickets in Cardiff to claim their second victory in The Hundred women’s competition.
Beth Mooney’s superb 57 off 35 balls laid the foundations for the Rockets’ successful chase of 130 for victory after Fire were limited to 129-3 from their 100 balls.
The Australian wicketkeeper put on 75 for the first wicket alongside England’s Sophia Dunkley (15 off 17) before bringing up her half-century in 27 balls after Nat Sciver-Brunt had joined her at the crease.
Em Arlott eventually brought Mooney’s innings to a close, but England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (37no off 23) picked up the baton, leading the Rockets home alongside Ash Gardner (10no off 9) with 17 balls to spare.
The Rockets’ victory was made possible by Fire posting a below-par score after being inserted at the toss.
Openers Georgia Voll (18) and Ella McCaughan (6) fell in the space of nine balls as Fire slumped to 28-2 after 41 deliveries.
Freya Kemp (36no off 29) smashed four fours and captain Sophie Devine (38 off 25) hit two fours and two sixes to lead the Fire fightback, but their total ultimately proved too light as they succumbed to a second defeat in this year’s competition.
‘One big partnership would win the game’
Meerkat Match Hero – Beth Mooney – on Sky Sports Cricket:
“It was a good, all-round performance from everyone. 130 was probably about par, but one big partnership was going to win that game and it did in the end.
“When you’re chasing a total like that, it’s pretty good to break the back of the chase as early as you can and thankfully we did that.”
What’s next in The Hundred?
Southern Brave host Birmingham Phoenix on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, with the women’s match at 3pm followed by the men’s fixture at 6.30pm. Watch The Hundred and more contract-free on NOW
