Sciver-Brunt leads Rockets to win over Superchargers
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt puts in a strong all-round performance as Trent Rockets beat Northern Superchargers by 20 runs in their opening match of The Hundred women’s competition at Headingley.
England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt put in a strong all-round performance as Trent Rockets beat Northern Superchargers by 20 runs in their opening match of The Hundred women’s competition at Headingley.
The Rockets captain struck an unbeaten 36, batting at number three, as her side posted 123-5, before taking 2-19 as the Superchargers were dismissed for 103 with four balls to spare.
Having won the toss, Sciver-Brunt chose to bat and Rockets openers Bryony Smith and Grace Scrivens rewarded her decision, scoring 47 from the first 32 balls of innings.
Sciver-Brunt came to the crease after Scrivens fell to Annabel Sutherland and hit consecutive fours off the bowling of Georgia Wareham as her side reached 71-1 at the half-way mark.
The Superchargers throttled their opponents in the second 50 balls, with Linsey Smith removing Ash Gardner and Heather Graham from consecutive deliveries.
But Sciver-Brunt continued to accumulate runs alongside Katie George, putting on 27 for the fifth wicket as the Rockets posted a competitive total.
The Superchargers struggled in their reply, slipping to 34-5 within the first 30 balls of the second innings.
Sciver-Brunt saw Hollie Armitage caught by Scrivens, while Australian bowlers Alana King (2-19) and Heather Graham (3-13) also enjoyed success as the home side rapidly fell behind the rate.
Lucy Higham offered some resistance, top scoring with 26 from number nine, but was ultimately bowled by Sciver-Brunt, the final wicket to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
What else do you need to know?
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The Superchargers finished as runners-up in last year’s competition, but will need put in better batting displays to reach the same position this year. Higham was the only player to reach the twenties, while seven players did not pass 10.
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Both sides fielded three Australians, with Alana King, Heather Graham and Ash Gardner of the Rockets facing off against Phoebe Litchfield, Annabel Sutherland and Georgia Wareham of the Superchargers.
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Litchfield was the tournament’s third-highest run scorer last season, but the 21-year-old fared poorly in this year’s opening encounter, dismissed lbw by compatriot Gardner for a three-ball duck.
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Former England under-19 captain Grace Scrivens moved to the Rockets from London Spirit over the winter and did well opening the innings, striking six fours in her 32 before being caught in the deep while pulling Sutherland.
‘Happy to hit the ground running’ – what they said
Trent Rockets captain Nat Sciver-Brunt: “Really happy to hit the ground running. We didn’t do that very well last season. The wicket was a little bit tricky, but having all the options I do really helps.
“I didn’t feel that fluid, but I stuck in there and getting 123 ended up being a good score. The conditions helped us in the end, as soon as the ball got soft.
“I was probably trying to hit a little bit too square at first. I struggled to time it and had to manufacture a few shots. Bit of an up-and-down innings.
“It’s great to have some experienced players. Hopefully they can pass on that knowledge to those younger girls.”
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What is happening on Saturday?
There will be another double-header on Saturday, with London Spirit hosting Birmingham Phoenix at Lord’s (women’s at 15:00 BST and men’s at 18:35).
The Spirit won their opening encounter against Southern Brave, but the Phoenix will be looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Oval Invincibles in their first match.
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