Trent Rockets made a record-breaking start to their Women’s Hundred 2026 campaign by completing the quickest chase in the competition’s history.
The Rockets needed only 31 balls to reach a target of 65 against Birmingham Phoenix, sealing a nine-wicket victory with 69 deliveries remaining at Edgbaston.
The previous record had been held by Southern Brave, who defeated Trent Rockets with 44 balls to spare in Southampton during the 2022 edition.
Samantha Bates Inspires Phoenix Collapse
Tournament debutant Samantha Bates played a central role in the historic victory. The left-arm spinner claimed three wickets as Birmingham Phoenix were dismissed for only 64, equalling the joint second-lowest total in Women’s Hundred history.
Bates finished with figures of 3 for 10 and was later named Player of the Match for her decisive contribution.
The unwanted record for the lowest total in the competition also belongs to Birmingham Phoenix, who were bowled out for 54 against Northern Superchargers at Edgbaston in 2024.
Lowest Team Totals in Women’s Hundred History
| Score | Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | Birmingham Phoenix | Northern Superchargers | Birmingham | 2024 |
| 64 | Oval Invincibles | Northern Superchargers | The Oval | 2024 |
| 64 | Birmingham Phoenix | Trent Rockets | Birmingham | 2026 |
| 72 | Oval Invincibles | Southern Brave | Southampton | 2025 |
Dunkley Powers Record Chase
Trent Rockets lost Beth Mooney cheaply during the chase, but Sophia Dunkley quickly removed any possibility of a Phoenix comeback.
Dunkley smashed an unbeaten 43 from only 17 deliveries, while Sophie Luff contributed 19 not out from nine balls.
Their aggressive partnership guided the Rockets to the target with ease and secured the fastest victory in Women’s Hundred history in terms of balls remaining.
Rockets Move Top of the Table
The emphatic result lifted Trent Rockets to the top of the standings with four points and an impressive net run rate of +7.768.
They will next face London Spirit in Nottingham on July 26.
Birmingham Phoenix, meanwhile, will aim to recover from their heavy opening defeat when they take on Manchester Super Giants in Manchester on the same day.
