Jamie Smith’s blistering half-century powered London Spirit to a 21-run victory over Joe Root’s Trent Rockets in the men’s The Hundred clash at Lord’s, ending the Rockets’ two-match winning run.
Opening the innings, Smith smashed 52 off 34 balls — two fours and four sixes — as Spirit posted 162/5 in their 100 balls. The hosts overcame the early loss of star Aussie David Warner (6) to set a challenging total, with captain Kane Williamson contributing 45 (32 balls), Ashton Turner adding 30 off 16, and Ollie Pope finishing with an unbeaten 17 off nine balls.
Smith was eventually caught by Root off Sam Cook, but the Spirit’s middle order kept the scoreboard ticking, ensuring a defendable target.
Rockets’ Chase Falters Despite Bright Start
The Rockets started strongly, with Tom Banton and Root putting on 73 for the first wicket. But once the pair fell, Spirit’s bowlers took control. Richard Gleeson thrilled the crowd with the fastest delivery of The Hundred 2025 — a scorching 94.1 mph — while Jamie Overton’s short ball caused an injury to Tom Alsop, who left the field with a bloodied nose.
Only Marcus Stoinis provided late fireworks, smashing four sixes, but the Rockets finished on 141/6, well short of their target. The win puts London Spirit level with Rockets on eight points, part of a five-way tie with Oval Invincibles, Southern Brave, and Northern Superchargers.
Women’s Action: Sciver-Brunt Guides Rockets to First Win
In the earlier women’s fixture, Nat Sciver-Brunt led the Trent Rockets to their first victory of the season, beating London Spirit by 33 runs. Asked to bat first, the Rockets made 149/6, with openers Bryony Smith (42 off 23) and Natasha Wraith adding 62 for the first wicket. Eva Gray dismissed both in quick succession and then removed Heather Graham and Emma Jones with consecutive deliveries.
Sciver-Brunt, however, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 51 off 29 balls, ensuring a strong finish.
Spirit Collapse in Chase
Chasing 150, London Spirit’s batters struggled against Kirstie Gordon, who took 4-15 in her 20 balls. Only Kira Chathli (19), Cordelia Griffith (20), and Charli Knott (33) reached double figures. Ashleigh Gardner (2-14) and Heather Graham (2-28) further tightened the grip, bowling Spirit out for 116 in 95 balls.
Sciver-Brunt praised the team’s all-round performance: “It feels brilliant to get a first win of the tournament, especially here at Lord’s. We’ve done well in patches before, but it was great to put it all together today.”
What’s Next in The Hundred
Friday: Northern Superchargers vs Birmingham Phoenix; Southern Brave vs Trent Rockets
Saturday: Welsh Fire vs Oval Invincibles
Sunday: London Spirit vs Birmingham Phoenix
