London Spirit claimed their first win of this season’s Women’s Hundred after producing a composed chase to defeat Trent Rockets by five wickets at Trent Bridge.
Needing 143 to win, Spirit reached their target with three balls remaining after recovering from a mid-innings collapse that briefly handed the momentum to the home side.
Bright Start Gives Way to Sudden Collapse
The visitors began confidently thanks to an aggressive innings from opener Grace Harris, whose 37 runs from just 20 balls put the chase on track.
However, the innings took a dramatic turn when Spirit lost four wickets for only 12 runs, slipping to 67-4 and leaving the Rockets sensing an opportunity to take control of the contest.
De Klerk and Kelly Turn the Match Around
With the pressure mounting, Nadine de Klerk and Marie Kelly produced the partnership that transformed the game.
The pair added 63 runs from only 37 balls, attacking the Rockets bowlers and rebuilding the innings at exactly the right moment.
Kelly initially struggled to find her rhythm, reaching just 12 from her first 13 deliveries, but she accelerated brilliantly to finish with 39 from 26 balls.
Their stand shifted the pressure back onto the home side and kept Spirit firmly in contention.
Calm Finish Seals the Win
Kelly’s dismissal left Spirit needing another 13 runs, giving Trent Rockets one final chance to snatch victory.
But De Klerk remained unfazed. Already known for delivering in pressure situations, the South African all-rounder showcased her finishing ability once again, smashing two towering sixes during the closing moments to finish unbeaten on 41 from only 22 deliveries and guide Spirit home with three balls to spare.
Kapp’s Early Spell Put Rockets on the Back Foot
Earlier in the afternoon, Marizanne Kapp laid the foundation for Spirit’s victory with an outstanding bowling display.
The experienced South African struck with the very first ball of the innings by dismissing Beth Mooney before later removing Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Luff.
Her outstanding figures of 3-12 restricted the Rockets during the crucial opening stages.
Rockets Recover but Fall Short of a Bigger Total
Despite Kapp’s early breakthroughs, Trent Rockets fought back through Ash Gardner and Bess Heath.
Gardner made a valuable 34, while Heath injected momentum with an entertaining 31 from 19 balls as the pair helped lift the innings after the early setbacks.
However, Gardner was eventually caught on the boundary, while England spinner Charlie Dean impressed by taking 2-18 and preventing the lower order from accelerating.
The Rockets closed on 142-7, a competitive total that ultimately proved just short.
Table Takes Shape After Tight Contest
The result gives London Spirit their first victory of the campaign, leaving both teams with one win from their opening two matches.
Although the Rockets suffered defeat, they remain above Spirit in the standings thanks to a stronger net run rate.
Rain Washes Out Earlier Fixture
Earlier on Sunday, the scheduled Hundred clash between Manchester Super Giants and Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford failed to get underway after persistent rain prevented a single ball from being bowled.
Attention Turns to Monday’s Double Header
The Women’s Hundred continues on Monday when Southern Brave host MI London in Southampton.
Brave will be aiming to maintain their perfect start and protect their place at the top of the table after winning both of their opening matches, while MI London are still chasing their first victory of the season. The men’s fixture between the same sides will follow later in the evening.
