Trent Rockets Crush Birmingham Phoenix by Nine Wickets After Bowling Them Out for 64

Trent Rockets produced a dominant all-round display to register a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred Women's competition, skittling the hosts for just 64 before chasing down the target with 69 balls to spare.

The Rockets' clinical bowling effort reduced Phoenix to the joint-second lowest total in the history of the women's Hundred, with debutant Samantha Bates and experienced all-rounder Georgia Elwiss leading the demolition.

Bates returned outstanding figures of 3 for 10, while Elwiss claimed 3 for 13, as the pair combined to take six wickets for just 23 runs from 40 deliveries, including 25 dot balls. Kim Garth also made an immediate impact, conceding only two runs while bowling the opening 10 balls of the innings.

Put in to bat, Birmingham's innings unravelled from the outset. Tammy Beaumont and Alice Capsey departed early, with Beaumont falling to Garth. Davina Perrin was then bowled by Elwiss, leaving the Phoenix reeling at 13 for 3 after 20 balls.

The collapse worsened moments later when Bates struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Annerie Dercksen and Jemima Spence off consecutive deliveries to reduce the hosts to 14 for 5. Only Ellyse Perry, who scored 39, offered any meaningful resistance as wickets continued to tumble around her.

Despite missing England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who is unavailable for the opening two matches of the tournament due to a calf injury, Trent Rockets never allowed Phoenix back into the contest.

Chasing a modest target of 65, the visitors lost Beth Mooney for just four after she was bowled by Lauren Filer with the score on 40. However, the early breakthrough had little impact on the outcome.

Sophia Dunkley sealed the chase in emphatic fashion, smashing an unbeaten 43 from just 17 balls, while captain Sophie Luff added quick runs, including three consecutive boundaries off Alana King, as the Rockets wrapped up victory with ease.

The commanding win gives Trent Rockets a strong start to their campaign and underlines their bowling strength, even in the absence of one of their biggest stars, while Birmingham Phoenix will be eager to bounce back after one of the lowest totals in the competition's history.