Trent Rockets’ chances of obtaining direct passage for The Hundred final have been in serious jeopardy after suffering a stunning six-wicket defeat to previously-knocked-out Southern Brave at Trent Bridge on Sunday. The Rockets scored 158-7 from their 100 balls, but Tristan Stubbs’ fifty not out guided Brave to a closely-fought win with three balls remaining. The defeat means the Rockets now await an anxious wait on Tuesday, when Sunrisers Leeds take on Manchester Super Giants at Old Trafford. Should Leeds win by a sufficient margin to overtake the Rockets on NRR, it would prevent Nottinghamshire’s franchise a direct route to the final, forcing them into the knockout Eliminator instead.
Stubbs and Stoinis clinch a dramatic chase
Southern Brave’s victory appeared improbable when they began their pursuit of 159, especially given their exit from the tournament’s knockout round had already been confirmed. Yet Tristan Stubbs and Marcus Stoinis orchestrated a remarkable fourth-wicket stand worth 70 runs that shifted the momentum decisively in Brave’s favour. Stoinis, the Australian all-rounder, proved particularly destructive, striking four boundaries and three maximums during his aggressive 46-run contribution from just 25 deliveries. The pair’s attacking strategy unravelled what had initially appeared a dominant Rockets score, setting up a thrilling finale that would ultimately decide the contest.
With eight runs required from the final five balls, Stubbs and Nikhil Chaudhary kept their composure against Lewis Gregory’s bowling to finish the pursuit with three balls to spare. Stubbs struck the decisive blow, cracking Gregory over square leg for six to seal an unbeaten half-century that finished at 52 from 28 balls, including four fours and three sixes at an impressive strike rate of 185.71. Stoinis’ dismissal in the penultimate set, caught off Ben Sanderson’s yorker length delivery, could have undermined Brave’s chances, but the lower order rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
- Stoinis made 46 from 25 balls featuring four fours and three sixes
- Stubbs finished unbeaten on 52 from 28 balls at scoring rate 185.71
- Brave required eight runs from last five balls bowled by Gregory
- Stubbs clinched the win with six over square leg off final bowler
Rockets’ advancement depends on Leeds outcome
Trent Rockets’ chances of achieving direct entry for the final now hinge completely on events at Old Trafford on Tuesday, where Sunrisers Leeds face Manchester Super Giants. The Rockets presently occupy 4 points clear of Leeds in the standings, but a defeat combined with a substantial victory for the Sunrisers would see the Yorkshire franchise overtake them on net run-rate. This scenario would push Nottinghamshire’s side into the Eliminator knockout stage rather than a straight path to the final, a considerably less favourable position for Sam Billings’ team as they bid to retain their title.
The mathematics are unforgiving for the Rockets following their defeat to already-eliminated Brave. With both teams potentially finishing on 24 points, the net run-rate tiebreaker would prove decisive. Sunrisers Leeds currently boast a superior net run-rate of 1.094 compared to the Rockets’ 0.740, meaning Leeds would require only a narrow victory margin to overtake their rivals. This defeat, combined with the uncertainty of Tuesday’s outcome, constitutes a major setback for a team that started the day in pole position for the final.
| Team | Position |
|---|---|
| Trent Rockets | 1st (24 points, NRR: 0.740) |
| Sunrisers Leeds | 2nd (20 points, NRR: 1.094) |
| Southern Brave | Eliminated |
The Tuesday decider at Old Trafford
Tuesday’s fixture at Old Trafford holds considerable significance for the Rockets and Sunrisers Leeds. The men’s match, timed at 18:30 BST, will clarify whether Leeds can overtake the Rockets on net run-rate should they win by a substantial margin. A narrow victory for the Super Giants would keep the Rockets safely in automatic qualification, whilst a emphatic Leeds win could reshape the standings dramatically and force Billings’ side into the Eliminator.
The women’s clash at 15:00 BST also carries considerable significance, with Manchester Super Giants requiring victory to lock in their spot in the Eliminator against Southern Brave. A win for Sunrisers Leeds in the women’s contest would ensure their advancement, whilst a tie or no result would see the Super Giants progress regardless. These interconnected matches mean Tuesday marks a critical day for multiple franchises’ playoff ambitions.
Santner’s closing flourish turns out to be insufficient
Trent Rockets appeared to be well-positioned to defend their score of 158-7, with Mitchell Santner’s unbeaten 35 off 23 balls delivering vital lower-order impetus. The Kiwi star shared an important 66-run partnership with Lewis Gregory, whose unbeaten 28 off 18 balls drove the Rockets to what seemed a competitive total. Earlier contributions from the opening batsmen, including Chris Jordan’s removal of Finn Allen on 23 with a superb yorker, indicated Brave would find it difficult in their pursuit despite they were already eliminated from title contention.
However, Santner’s effort ultimately turned out to be insufficient as Brave’s middle-order firepower overwhelmed the Rockets’ bowling attack. Tristan Stubbs’ brilliant unbeaten 52 from just 28 balls, paired with Marcus Stoinis’ attacking 46 off 25 deliveries, was too much to handle. The Australian cricketer’s four boundaries and three maximums laid the foundation for a fourth-wicket stand worth 70 runs, allowing Brave to chase down the target with three balls remaining and leave Nottinghamshire’s title defence in jeopardy.
- Santner’s 35 featured in a unbeaten 66-run sixth-wicket stand with Gregory
- Brave’s bowlers were shared among five different bowlers, restricting individual impact
- Young quick Manny Lumsden’s opening set cost 19 runs without further involvement
What lies ahead for Trent Rockets
Trent Rockets must now wait anxiously to see whether their four-point lead over Sunrisers Leeds proves sufficient to secure automatic qualification for the final. The Yorkshire franchise’s trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday evening poses a real danger to Billings’ side’s top-spot aspirations, with winning by a substantial margin potentially propelling Leeds above Nottinghamshire on net run-rate. The Rockets’ better run-rate of 0.740 currently provides a cushion, but only if both teams finish level on 24 points will this metric determine final placings.
Should the Rockets fail to finish atop the table, they would be compelled to face the Eliminator against Southern Brave, creating a highly dangerous knockout tie against a side that has already demonstrated their ability to chase effectively under pressure. This situation would constitute a significant departure from their favoured route to the final, forcing captain Sam Billings’ squad to navigate an additional high-stakes encounter with little margin for error in their pursuit of Hundred glory.