In the opening match of The Hundred women’s competition at Trent Bridge, Southern Brave delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Trent Rockets by 27 runs. India’s star player, Smriti Mandhana, played a crucial role, scoring a sublime 55 runs off 36 balls, helping Brave post a challenging total of 157-6.
Trent Rockets’ chase started poorly, losing their opener Bryony Smith on the very first ball and struggling throughout their innings, ending at 130-7. England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt provided some late hope with her powerful 49 runs off 31 balls, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for her team.
The Brave’s innings were propelled by the opening partnership of Mandhana and Danni Wyatt, who scored 65 runs together. Maia Bouchier contributed an entertaining 31 off 18 balls to maintain the acceleration. However, Brave lost momentum towards the end, losing five wickets for just 31 runs. Nevertheless, an explosive 23 off 10 balls from South Africa’s Chloe Tryon helped set up a winning total.
During Trent Rockets’ innings, Nat Sciver-Brunt partnered with India captain Harmanpreet Kaur to add 45 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Georgia Adams, the all-rounder for Southern Brave, took the crucial wickets of Kaur and former England batter Fran Wilson to swing the momentum back in favor of Brave. Debutant Mary Taylor impressed with the ball, finishing with figures of 3-18.
Southern Brave’s captain, Anya Shrubsole, had Nat Sciver-Brunt caught and bowled with 20 balls remaining, ending Rockets’ late rally and securing a dominant victory for her side.
Looking ahead, Southern Brave will aim to continue their winning run against Welsh Fire on Friday 4 August, while Trent Rockets will be seeking a comeback against Birmingham Phoenix on Saturday 5 August.
The match featured outstanding performances from both Smriti Mandhana and Nat Sciver-Brunt. Mandhana’s timing and elegance contrasted with Sciver-Brunt’s pure power, making her the recipient of the Match Hero medal.
Trent Rockets captain Nat Sciver-Brunt acknowledged that the team had a tough start and emphasized the need to improve their batting performance and build better partnerships as the tournament progresses.
Welsh Fire bowler Alex Hartley praised Southern Brave’s winning formula and predicted that they could go all the way this year.
The Hundred matches can be watched on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer every Wednesday and Saturday, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, 27 August.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Hundred
What was the result of the opening match of The Hundred women’s competition?
Southern Brave thrashed Trent Rockets by 27 runs in the opening game of The Hundred women’s competition at Trent Bridge.
Who were the standout performers for Southern Brave in the match?
India’s superstar Smriti Mandhana played a sublime innings, scoring 55 runs off 36 balls for Southern Brave. Additionally, all-rounder Mary Taylor impressed with the ball, taking three crucial wickets for just 18 runs.
How did Nat Sciver-Brunt perform for Trent Rockets?
Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased her power-hitting skills, scoring an impressive 49 runs off 31 balls for Trent Rockets, but her efforts were not enough to secure a victory for her team.
When will Southern Brave and Trent Rockets play their next matches?
Southern Brave will face Welsh Fire on Friday, 4 August, while Trent Rockets will look to bounce back against Birmingham Phoenix on Saturday, 5 August.
Where can I watch The Hundred matches?
The Hundred matches can be watched on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the competition, with the finals scheduled for Sunday, 27 August.
More about Hundred
- The Hundred Official Website: The Hundred
- BBC Sport Cricket: BBC Sport
- Smriti Mandhana Profile: Cricbuzz
- Nat Sciver-Brunt Profile: Cricinfo
- Southern Brave Team Profile: The Hundred
- Trent Rockets Team Profile: The Hundred
1 comment
gotta watch the hundred matches on bbc two, can’t miss the action! mandhana and sciver-brunt showin’ their skills. #excitingcricket