Summary

  • The Hundred: Trent Rockets v Birmingham Phoenix men, Trent Bridge

  • Rockets chase 112 to win by three wickets with one ball to spare

  • Rockets 113-7 (99 balls): Ahmed 37 (23); Bethell 2-22

  • In passing 69 during chase, Rockets guaranteed second spot in table

  • It means they will progress to Sunday's final v Invincibles if Saturday's Eliminator v Superchargers is washed out

  • Already-eliminated Phoenix made 111-9 (100 balls): Mousley 26 (25); Ahmed 3-15

Live Reporting

by Ffion Wynne & Matthew Henry

  1. Kieran Parmley
    CricViz analyst

    Batters are averaging just 10.6 playing scoops and reverse scoops in the men's Hundred this year, down from 19.2 in the first four years of the competition.

  2. Rockets 4-1

    Target 112

    The in-form Rehan Ahmed joins Joe Root in the middle.

  3. Carlos Brathwaite
    Former West Indies all-rounder on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Tom Banton never really flowed. He was trying to force that shot but the wicket is a little stoppy so it is hard to go through the line.

    It really challenges you when the wicket is two-paced.

  4. wicket

    WICKET

    Banton c Milne b Boult 1 (Rockets 2-1)

    And it pays off!

    Tom Banton tries to get the innings going after a sluggish start, but this is an ugly swipe straight to Adam Milne at mid-on.

    A disciplined start from the Phoenix and they need to keep chipping away with early wickets if they are to keep the batting side under pressure.

  5. Nikesh Rughani
    Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    You can see the difference in body language between Root and Banton against Trent Boult. Root gets forward and attacks the ball.

    He is such a class player and somewhat underrated as a white-ball player.

  6. Trent Boult has started with lovely rhythm here. He's going to carry on for 10 in a row.

  7. Not out

    Rockets 1-0

    And that is why he reviewed so quickly.

    An inside edge saves Joe Root.

  8. Rockets review

    Joe Root attempts the scoop early, but misses and is given out!

    He reviews immediately...

  9. Rockets seal knockout spot with Root masterclass

    Joe Root has already taken 1-8 with the ball this evening but is now making his way to the middle with Tom Banton to begin this chase of just 112.

    He treated us to a masterclass at Sophia Gardens a couple of days ago as the Rockets edged past Welsh Fire. The England legend is in sparkling form.

  10. 'Myself and Ahmed complement each other well'

    Trent Rockets spin-bowler George Linde speaking on Sky Sports: "It was good conditions to bowl on but it is also about how you bowl. Rehan Ahmed bowled really well and the key here is the changes of pace. We made our plans before the game and luckily it paid off."

    On being a tall spinner: "Sometimes I wish I was smaller! Myself and [Rehan] Ahmed complement each other well - he is more skiddy into the wicket.

    "You always look to take time and keep an eye on the run-rate. Tonight was a chance to take wickets and thankfully we did. Hopefully it will be a bog-standard chase for us."

  11. So, Trent Rockets are in a very good position to keep themselves in second place and therefore, if there's rain around Saturday's Eliminator, they would join Oval Invincibles in the final the following day.

  12. Kieran Parmley
    CricViz analyst

    Trent Rockets will need 69 runs to stay in second place and avoid going below Northern Superchargers. They cannot go above Oval Invincibles into first.

  13. We'll have the exact numbers for you in a sec but that bowling effort makes it even less likely the Rockets will drop below Superchargers.

    Ffion Wynne is going to take you through the chase.

  14. Nikesh Rughani
    Commentator on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    A below par total from Birmingham Phoenix after a very good start. They looked set for at least 130 but they have been pegged back by an excellent bowling effort.

  15. wicket

    WICKET

    Mousley c Holden b Sanderson 26 (Phoenix 111-9)

    It's not a six. It's a wicket to finish. Dan Mousley skies yet another catch. We have said that a lot tonight.

    A job well done by Trent Rockets.

  16. Phoenix 111-8

    Good running. Mousley chips one into a gap and scampers for two.

    A boundary to finish?

  17. Phoenix 109-8

    Two to go. Dan Mousley has got himself up to 24 not out.

  18. Phoenix 106-8

    Trent Boult slices another for four! He's got a big cheeky grin on his face.

  19. Thea Brookes
    Former Birmingham Phoenix all-rounder on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

    Stand and deliver from Trent Boult. That was clobbered down the ground, a real power strike.

    Phoenix will need a few more like that to get to a decent score.

  20. Phoenix 102-8

    Whacked for four by Trent Boult! His international team-mate isn't impressed.

    Boult is loving this.