Trent Rockets beat Welsh Fire by 9 wickets (with 28 balls remaining) – The Hundred Match Report
Trent Rockets won by 9 wickets (with 28 balls remaining) in the 11th match of 34 in The Hundred at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Ben Duckett orchestrated a clinical chase with an unbeaten 51 off 44 balls as Rockets dismantled Welsh Fire‘s modest 122 for 7, reaching 126 for 1 in just 12 overs. The victory lifts Rockets to 2nd (2W 1L, 8pts) on net run rate, while Fire remain 4th (2W 1L, 8pts) despite the defeat.
Welsh Fire Stumble to 122
Trent Rockets won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Philip Salt fell early for 5 at 11/1 in the 2.2nd over, caught off Mohammad Amir‘s bowling. Matthew Short provided some resistance with 36 off 26 balls (1 four, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 138, but his dismissal at 62/2 in the 10.4th over left Fire in trouble.
Joe Root was bowled for just 5 at 26/3 in the 4.4th over, a soft dismissal that summed up Fire’s struggles. Rachin Ravindra managed 16 off 16 before falling at 70/4 in the 12.1st over. The innings unravelled further when Marco Jansen departed for 2 at 72/5 in the 12.4th over.
Jordan Cox provided late fireworks with 33 off just 16 balls (4 sixes) at a strike rate of 206, reaching 110/5 in the 16.4th over before being caught. Asa Tribe finished unbeaten on 13 off 14 as Fire limped to 122 for 7 from their 16.4 overs.
Mitchell Santner was the standout bowler for Rockets, taking 3 for 35 from 3.2 overs at an economy of 10.5. Matt Henry claimed 2 for 16 from 2.3 overs, while Mohammad Amir and Lewis Gregory each took 1 wicket.
Duckett and Allen Dismantle Fire’s Attack
Ben Duckett took charge from the outset, striking 8 fours in his unbeaten 51 off 44 balls at a strike rate of 116. Finn Allen provided explosive support with 33 off 19 balls (3 fours, 2 sixes) at a strike rate of 174, putting Fire’s bowlers under immediate pressure. Allen’s dismissal, LBW at 76/1 in the 8.4th over, barely slowed Rockets’ momentum.
Tom Banton finished the job in style, remaining unbeaten on 32 off 16 balls (4 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 200. Rockets reached 126 for 1 in just 12 overs, with 28 balls to spare, a clinical display of controlled aggression.
Chris Woakes was the pick of Fire’s bowlers with 0 for 21 from 2.3 overs, while Marco Jansen conceded 25 from 2.5 overs. Rachin Ravindra took 1 for 4 from 0.5 overs but it proved a consolation.
Statz MVP: Jordan Cox (Statz Rating: 76.31)
Jordan Cox earns the Statz MVP award with a Statz Rating of 76.31, the highest of the evening. Though his 33 off 16 balls (4 sixes) came in a losing cause, his strike rate of 206 and aggressive intent in the middle overs demonstrated precisely the kind of impact Statz measures. Cox’s performance was the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing Fire innings. Ben Duckett was named official Man of the Match for his unbeaten 51 and match-winning chase.
Top 5 Statz Ratings
- Jordan Cox (WF) – Statz Rating: 76.31 | 33 off 16 (SR 206, 4 sixes) – Late-order fireworks in a losing effort.
- Tom Banton (TR) – Statz Rating: 73.52 | 32 off 16 (SR 200, 4 fours, 1 six) – Finished the chase with explosive authority.
- Finn Allen (TR) – Statz Rating: 64.84 | 33 off 19 (SR 174, 3 fours, 2 sixes) – Set the tone for Rockets’ dominant pursuit.
- Matthew Short (WF) – Statz Rating: 62.32 | 36 off 26 (SR 138, 1 four, 2 sixes) – Fire’s only substantial contribution in the first innings.
- Ben Duckett (TR) – Statz Rating: 51.53 | 51 off 44 (SR 116, 8 fours) – Controlled, match-winning chase despite lower rating than explosive hitters.
Turning Point
The match turned decisively in the opening overs of Rockets’ chase. Finn Allen‘s explosive 33 off 19 balls and Ben Duckett‘s composed 51 off 44 established such a commanding position that Fire’s bowlers never recovered. By the time Allen fell LBW at 76/1 in the 8.4th over, Rockets needed just 47 from 68 balls with nine wickets in hand – a chase already won.
Match Context
This was the 11th match of 34 in The Hundred 2026 group stage. Trent Rockets (2nd, 2W 1L, 8pts) climb to second on net run rate of 1.033 with this dominant away victory. Welsh Fire (4th, 2W 1L, 8pts) remain on 8 points but slip to fourth on net run rate of -0.557. Check the full scorecard on Statz for the complete breakdown, and explore Statz Bet Builder for indicative odds on future Hundred matches.
