Trent Rockets Edge Phoenix to Secure Second Spot in The Hundred
Trent Rockets clinched a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix with just one ball to spare, sealing second place in the group stage of The Hundred and setting up an Eliminator clash with Northern Superchargers at the Kia Oval.
Chasing a modest 112 for victory, the Rockets overcame a late wobble to finish on 113 for 7, thanks to a composed debut innings from Ben Cox (17* off 12) and an all-round masterclass from Rehan Ahmed, who starred with both bat and ball.
Ahmed, named Meerkat Match Hero, proved decisive, claiming 3 for 15 with the ball and smashing a quickfire 37 from 23 deliveries in a low-scoring thriller that tested both nerves and spin-bowling skill.
Phoenix Collapse After Promising Start
Phoenix appeared well-placed after racing to 36 without loss inside 21 balls, with openers Will Smeed (23 off 12) and Ben Duckett (20 off 15) getting off to a flyer. However, the innings unraveled quickly after Duckett mistimed a short ball from Lockie Ferguson to midwicket.
That breakthrough opened the floodgates as Rehan Ahmed struck twice in quick succession, removing Smeed and Jacob Bethell in the same set. George Linde (2 for 12) compounded Phoenix’s struggles by dismissing Liam Livingstone cheaply, while Joe Root and Rehan tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Cameos from Dan Mousley (26 off 25) and lower-order resistance helped Phoenix limp to 111 for 9 – a total that always looked below par despite the spin-friendly surface.
Rockets’ Chase Falters but Cox Seals It
The Rockets' reply was far from smooth. Tom Banton departed early for just one, and although Rehan counterattacked with flair, his dismissal at 37 triggered a middle-order slump. Joe Root contributed a measured 25 before falling to Liam Patterson-White, who later bowled David Willey with a peach.
With wickets tumbling and pressure mounting, the Rockets found themselves needing six runs from the final five deliveries. Jacob Bethell, tasked with the last set, kept things tight initially, but Cox held his nerve, sweeping the fourth ball for four to secure the win.
Speaking after the match, Rehan praised his teammate: “Coxy was always going to do it, I had full trust in him. There was a lot of assistance for spinners on this pitch, and we train on similar surfaces. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity I’ve been given and hopefully I can do it in the next couple of games.”
What’s Next?
With this win, the Rockets finish second in the standings, tied on points with Oval Invincibles but trailing on net run rate. They now face Northern Superchargers in the Eliminator on Saturday, aiming for a place in the final.
Phoenix, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.