With two major games remaining, the Trent Rockets are still alive in this year’s Hundred thanks to another Nat Sciver-Brunt batting masterpiece and an outstanding opening burst by left-arm seamer Alexa Stonehouse.
But with just one victory throughout the competition, the reigning champions Southern Brave’s tough run doesn’t seem to be ending.
In addition to led the Rockets to a commanding 155 for 7, Nat Sciver-Brunt unbeaten 60 from 37 balls, her eighth century for the England.
star, moved her above Danni Wyatt to become the tournament’s all-time top female run scorer. She is on track to become the first woman to surpass the 1000 run mark with her 933 tournament runs.
First, Grace Scrivens (36 from 24) provided her with great support; later, Ash Gardner and Heather Graham made brief appearances. The only thing that kept the Rockets in check was Lauren Bell’s death-bowling ability, as she claimed three wickets in her final set of five.
As for the Brave, they were always up against it when Stonehouse took out Wyatt and Maia Bouchier in the first five balls, the latter with a lovely inswinger that arced past the gate.
Smriti Mandhana was all touch and elegance for her 42 (27), but when she misplayed a Graham off-break to backward point, the Brave were 82 for 4 after 69 balls and fading. Georgie Adams was feisty for her 27 before falling to a brilliant boundary throw from Katie George.
Chloe Tryon delivered several thunderous punches in the late order, including a six that went 86 meters into the ground staff’s hut, but the Rockets retained their composure to win easily by 24 runs.
Hero of MeerKat Match Nat Sciver-Brunt stated that it was a team effort with contributions throughout: “We went through a few plans with the ball because their hitters put us under pressure, but we eventually found the right one and we maintained our composure with our skill.
We had discussed the necessity for that after the first few games, so we were really happy with how it worked out today. Grace Scrivens and I had a great collaboration.
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“After the first four games we felt pretty down – three close games and not coming out on the right side of it, so it takes some getting up for the next game, but we’ve come back really strongly and with two games to go who knows what can happen.”
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