Trent Rockets, the defending champions, began their Men’s Hundred campaign with a thrilling six-run victory against Southern Brave, 2021 winners. Daniel Sams and Lewis Gregory were the stars, taking three wickets each in a low-scoring contest at Trent Bridge.
Sam Hain’s 63 off 39 balls saved the Rockets from 54/5, with vital support from last-minute sub Imad Wasim. Despite Chris Jordan’s 3/18, the Rockets’ 133 total from 100 balls appeared inadequate.
On a slow pitch that favored the bowlers, Southern Brave got off to a solid start, reaching 41 without loss from 37 balls. However, they stumbled and lost five wickets for 32 runs in the next 28 balls, never managing to recover. Despite a late surge from Chris Jordan with the bat, Brave was bowled out for 127 from 99 balls.
Batting first, Trent Rockets struggled, losing their top three batters for 25 runs within the powerplay. Sam Hain’s thrilling boundaries lifted the subdued home crowd after the early departures of Sam Hales and Dawid Malan. Together with Imad Wasim, they stitched together a recovery partnership of 78 runs in 49 balls.
However, in a dramatic finale to the innings, Chris Jordan ran out Sam Hain and then bowled both Imad Wasim and Matt Carter with his next two deliveries, narrowly missing a hat-trick.
Southern Brave’s chase got off to a steady start, but as wickets fell, panic set in. Some excellent bowling by Imad Wasim resulted in crucial wickets of James Vince and Finn Allen. With pressure building, Brave lost wickets in quick succession, leaving them six down for 89, needing 45 runs from 22 balls.
Despite some late efforts from Chris Jordan, who smashed a six before being dismissed by Daniel Sams, Southern Brave fell short, finishing at 127, handing Trent Rockets a well-deserved six-run victory.
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