It was the fourth fixture of The Hundred 2025 between the Birmingham Phoenix and Trent Rockets, who were beginning their campaign at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Both sides were packed with superstars of the game as the home side welcomed Ben Duckett and Liam Livingstone. They had three Kiwi pacers, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Adam Milne in the ranks. 

On the other hand, the Rockets had Joe Root at the opening position under the leadership of David Willey. They also had the expressive pace of Blackcaps’ Lockie Ferguson and West Indies’ Akeal Hosein. The home side won the toss and chose to bat on a surface they thought would get slow in the second innings.

Birmingham Phoenix post struggling 122/6

It was perhaps the worst start for a team in the 100-ball tournament. Duckett went back to the pavilion for a two-ball duck after he failed to put bat on ball, looking to reverse scoop the length delivery. Will Smeed (1) and Aneurin Donald couldn’t do much with the bat, but Joe Clarke got 29 runs in 34 balls.

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Captain Liam Livingstone smashed 39 runs in 30 balls, with the help of one boundary and three sixes, while on the other hand, Dan Mousley remained unbeaten on 18 runs in 10 balls. Ferguson ended with magical figures of 3/20 in 20 deliveries. Phoenix stretched themselves to 122/6 in the first innings.

Aggressive Trent Rockets make easy chase by 6 wickets

Tom Banton shouldered them to a flying start with 43 runs in 29 balls with three fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 148.28. Southee drew first blood with the wicket of Joe Root on six runs. Rehan Ahmeda, who got a promotion to number three, also smashed 25 runs in just 16 balls.

Later, Max Holder and Stoinis also came into the crease with the same aim. Benny Howell bowled a fine spell of 2/25 in 20 balls. Stoinis also joined the party with a couple of big shots as the home bowlers failed to keep pressure on the tourists. Holden clubbed unbeatne 22 runs in 13 balls to complete the successful chase by six wickets and 22 balls to spare. 

Match Scorecard Summary-