Trent Rockets first to reach Hundred knockout stage
Trent Rockets became the first team to secure a place in the men's Hundred knockout stage after a six-wicket win over MI London at The Oval. Elsewhere, Manchester Super Giants beat Southern Brave by 10 runs, ending the reigning champions' hopes of qualifying.
Trent Rockets have become the first side to book their place in the knockout stage of the men's Hundred, defeating MI London by six wickets at The Oval.
The win was Rockets' sixth in seven matches, lifting them to 24 points at the top of the table — eight points clear of a chasing pack made up of Sunrisers Leeds, Welsh Fire, MI London and Manchester Super Giants.
Batting first, MI London posted 147-7, built around captain Sam Curran's 72 off 46 balls. The hosts lost early wickets before Curran and Will Jacks worked to rebuild the innings, though sharp fielding from the visitors twice halted their momentum.
In reply, Rockets endured a nervy start, slipping to 46-3 after just 30 balls. Tim David and Mitchell Santner then capitalised on dropped catches to guide their side home. Santner raced to his first Hundred half-century in 21 balls and struck the winning runs with 10 balls remaining, sealing Rockets' first-ever win at the venue in the competition.
Brave's knockout hopes ended
At the Utilita Bowl, Manchester Super Giants beat Southern Brave by 10 runs, eliminating the reigning champions from knockout contention.
Openers Tim Seifert and Paul Walter gave Super Giants a strong platform, reaching 119 without loss, before a collapse saw the visitors close on 149-8.
In response, Tristan Stubbs made an unbeaten 53 for Brave, but the chase fell short in the closing balls. The result moved Super Giants level on 16 points with Sunrisers Leeds, MI London and Welsh Fire, with those four teams now competing for the tournament's final two knockout places.
