King and Gardner shine as Trent Rockets beat Welsh Fire by 23 runs
Alana King and Ash Gardner starred in a dominant spin display as Trent Rockets secured a 23-run win over Welsh Fire in The Hundred at Sophia Gardens.
Match report
Trent Rockets secured a crucial 23-run victory over Welsh Fire at Sophia Gardens on Sunday, bolstered by a world-class spin performance from Australians Alana King and Ash Gardner.
After posting 145 for 6 in their 100 balls, thanks to a 67-run partnership between Nat Sciver-Brunt (38) and Ash Gardner (36) in the middle overs and an aggressive start by Bryony Smith (38 off 27), Rockets defended comfortably despite late wickets.
Spin dominates
Leg-spinner Alana King exploited the turning Cardiff surface to return figures of 3 for 17, while off-spinner Gardner’s precise bowling claimed the key scalps of Sophia Dunkley (26) and Hayley Matthews (18). Freya Davies added to the pressure with 3 for 26 at the death, ensuring Welsh Fire could only reach 122 for 9.
What’s next
Welsh Fire, already eliminated, face Southern Brave in their final group game, while Trent Rockets, still in contention for a semi-final spot, tackle Birmingham Phoenix on Wednesday.
King and Gardner’s combined spin effort proved decisive, highlighting the importance of specialist bowlers in The Hundred format.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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