Trent Rockets have been the standout team in The Hundred Women’s Competition 2026, becoming the first side to secure a place in the knockout stage. Led by Ashleigh Gardner, the Rockets bounced back from an early defeat to win six of their first eight league matches and establish themselves as strong title contenders.
With the playoffs approaching, Trent Rockets will aim to carry their excellent form into the biggest matches of the season.
Fast Start Set the Platform
The Rockets opened the tournament in dominant fashion by bowling Birmingham Phoenix out for just 64 before completing a nine-wicket victory.
Their only setback came in the second match, when London Spirit chased down 143 with three balls to spare. However, the defeat proved only a minor interruption as the Rockets immediately returned to winning ways.
They defeated Welsh Fire by eight wickets, overcame Manchester Super Giants by 31 runs and edged Sunrisers Leeds by five runs in a tense contest.
Victories over Birmingham Phoenix and MI London followed, confirming Trent Rockets as the first women’s team to qualify for the knockout stage.
Dunkley and Sciver-Brunt Lead the Batting
Sophia Dunkley has been the Rockets’ leading batter this season with 259 runs in seven matches, consistently providing strong starts at the top of the order.
England star Nat Sciver-Brunt has also made a huge impact after joining the squad, scoring 161 runs in just four innings.
Beth Mooney has added valuable experience, while Bess Heath and Sophie Luff have contributed useful runs throughout the campaign.
The Rockets’ batting depth has been another major strength, with captain Ashleigh Gardner, Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Kim Garth and Eve Jones all capable of making important contributions.
Bowling Attack Provides the Balance
The bowling unit has been equally impressive.
Samantha Bates has controlled the middle overs with her left-arm spin, while Kim Garth and Georgia Elwiss have provided experience with the new ball. Katie Levick, Sophie Munro, Charley Phillips and Millie Taylor have added further variety.
The attack has repeatedly delivered in different situations, whether dismissing Birmingham Phoenix for just 64, defending 153 against Manchester Super Giants or successfully protecting 139 against Sunrisers Leeds.
That balance between pace and spin has been one of the key reasons behind the Rockets’ consistency.
Experience Could Make the Difference
The squad combines experienced international players with emerging domestic talent.
Gardner, Sciver-Brunt, Mooney and Garth have all played major international cricket and understand the demands of knockout matches, while players such as Dunkley, Heath and Luff have continued to develop throughout the competition.
That blend of experience and youth gives the Rockets plenty of confidence heading into the business end of the tournament.
Can Trent Rockets Finish the Job?
Qualification has already been secured, but Trent Rockets still have plenty to play for as they chase a direct place in the final.
Their performances throughout the league stage have shown they can dominate matches with both bat and ball while also holding their nerve in close finishes.
If Dunkley continues her outstanding form and the bowling attack maintains its consistency, Trent Rockets will enter the knockout stage as one of the favourites to lift The Hundred 2026 title.
Trent Rockets Results
- July 24: Beat Birmingham Phoenix by 9 wickets
- July 26: Lost to London Spirit by 5 wickets
- July 29: Beat Welsh Fire by 8 wickets
- July 31: Beat Manchester Super Giants by 31 runs
- August 2: Beat Sunrisers Leeds by 5 runs
- August 5: Beat Birmingham Phoenix by 6 wickets
- August 8: Beat MI London by 9 wickets
- August 10: Beat Southern Brave by 3 wickets
- August 14: Eliminator (if required)
- August 16: Final (if qualified)
Trent Rockets Squad
Ashleigh Gardner (C), Sophia Dunkley, Bess Heath, Emma Jones, Ailsa Lister, Beth Mooney, Georgia Adams, Georgia Elwiss, Kim Garth, Eve Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Samantha Bates, Katie Levick, Sophie Munro, Charley Phillips, Millie Taylor, Amu Surenkumar and Grace Johnson.
