Trent Rockets’ Aussie duo Ashleigh Gardner and Alana King orchestrated a dominant 31-run victory over London Spirit at Trent Bridge, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Gardner and King combined for six wickets, dismantling a star-studded Spirit lineup that failed to chase down a modest target of 158 for 5. Youngster Grace Scrivens led the Rockets’ batting charge with a scintillating 55 from 43 deliveries, sharing a 74-run opening stand with Bryony Smith.
Despite losing Sciver-Brunt early, Heather Graham’s unbeaten 22 from 12 balls propelled the Rockets to a competitive total. Spirit’s chase faltered from the outset as Gardner dismissed Georgia Redmayne and Cordelia Griffith in quick succession. King then removed Meg Lanning, while Gardner trapped Dani Gibson lbw.
Heather Knight’s dismissal at the hands of King effectively sealed the victory for the Rockets. Gardner and King finished with identical figures of 3 for 23 from 20 balls, restricting Spirit to 127 for 7.
“It was huge for us,” said Gardner, the Meerkat Match Hero. “It was probably the first game we put all three facets of the game together. The openers did a fantastic job, and we were pretty clean in the field. It was a pretty perfect performance.”
The Rockets’ victory was a testament to their all-around performance, with Scrivens’ batting brilliance, Gardner and King’s bowling prowess, and a solid fielding display. It will serve as a confidence booster for the team as they look to climb the standings in the remaining matches of The Hundred.
