Trent Rockets claim inaugural women’s Hundred title with dominant victory over SunRisers Leeds
Ash Gardner’s side complete a comprehensive eight-wicket win at Lord’s to secure the trophy for the first time
Trent Rockets have secured their first women’s Hundred title after a commanding eight-wicket victory over defending champions SunRisers Leeds at Lord’s. The win cements the Rockets’ status as the dominant force in the tournament, concluding a season in which they claimed eight victories from nine matches, including a streak of seven consecutive wins.
SunRisers Leeds, who previously won the title under their former name of Northern Superchargers, were restricted to 91 runs all out from their full 91-ball quota after electing to bat following the toss. The innings collapsed early, with the side slumping to 24-3 after just 19 balls. Annabel Sutherland (25) and SunRisers skipper Dani Gibson (22) were the only batters to reach the 20-run mark, providing fleeting resistance against a disciplined Rockets attack.
Trent Rockets’ bowling unit dismantled the SunRisers lineup with precision. Kim Garth struck twice in consecutive legal deliveries to remove Bryony Smith and Lauren Winfield-Hill, while Charley Phillips and Samantha Bates each took two wickets. Bates’ tournament haul reached 13 wickets with her performances. Georgia Adams was instrumental in the field and with the ball, taking two wickets for 15 runs from nine balls. Her contributions included the stumping of Sutherland, a catch of Phoebe Litchfield, and a run-out of Jess Jonassen.
Chasing a target of 92, Trent Rockets reached their goal with 46 deliveries to spare, finishing at 92-2 in 54 balls. Sophia Dunkley (41 off 23 balls) and Beth Mooney (31 not out off 21 balls) laid the foundation with an opening partnership of 69 runs from 61 balls. Dunkley’s aggressive innings included 45 runs during the 25-ball powerplay before she was dismissed for 41.
Captain Ash Gardner sealed the victory by hitting the winning four through the off-side. The result marks a significant turnaround for SunRisers, who had previously upset table-toppers Southern Brave to win the title last summer. The Rockets had already defeated SunRisers by five runs at Trent Bridge earlier in the season, but this final was a decisive hammering that highlighted the gap between the two sides.
