The Trent Rockets’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages of The Hundred 2024 were dashed in emphatic fashion as they suffered a comprehensive six-wicket defeat to the Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston. The result leaves the Rockets languishing at the bottom of the table with just one game remaining, their elimination now a mathematical certainty.
The loss was compounded by the earlier news that star spinner Rashid Khan would miss the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. Khan’s absence dealt a severe blow to the Rockets’ chances of turning their fortunes around, depriving them of a key wicket-taker and experienced campaigner.
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Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell steer Birmingham Phoenix to victory
Chasing a modest target of 119, the Phoenix endured a shaky start, losing early wickets. However, a crucial partnership between Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell steadied the ship and propelled the home side to victory with seven balls to spare.
Livingstone, in particular, was in imperious form, showcasing his power-hitting prowess with a measured and calculated innings of 30 not out. Bethell, on the other hand, played the role of the anchor striking 38 off 29 deliveries, providing stability and aggression at the same time with his mature approach. The duo’s partnership was a masterclass in the hundred-ball batting, as they expertly negotiated the Rockets’ bowling attack to seal the win for the Phoenix by six wickets.
Their match-winning stand not only secured victory for Birmingham but also inflicted a fatal blow to the Rockets’ tournament hopes. The outcome highlights the importance of partnerships in the shortest format of the game, as Livingstone and Bethell demonstrated with their exceptional display.
Here’s the video:
Jacob Bethell 🤝 Liam Livingstone#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/2uqpOLNLJG
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 12, 2024
Phoenix endure Woakes withdrawal
Birmingham, too, faced their own challenges in the build-up to the match. England all-rounder Chris Woakes was ruled out of the competition due to workload management concerns, a decision that would have undoubtedly impacted the team’s balance.
Trent Rockets stumbling with the bat gets relegated
Batting first, the Rockets were never truly in control of their innings, succumbing to a total of 118 all out. Tim Southee proved to be the nemesis for the Rockets, delivering a devastating spell of fast bowling that yielded impressive figures of 5-12. While Tom Banton offered some resistance with a brisk 57, the Rockets’ batting lineup lacked the necessary depth to post a competitive total.
As the Phoenix celebrate their triumph, the Rockets will be left to reflect on a disappointing campaign. With Rashid sidelined and their place in the competition already determined, their focus will now shift to rebuilding for the next season.
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