Kieron Pollard’s explosive innings led Southern Brave to a dramatic victory over Trent Rockets in The Hundred at The Rose Bowl, Southampton. After the Rockets posted 126-8, with Chris Jordan taking 3-22, the Brave struggled at 78-6, needing 49 from 20 balls. Initially slow with 6 off 14 balls, Pollard faced Rashid Khan in a crucial set and unleashed a stunning assault, hitting five consecutive sixes to swing the game. This reduced the target to 19 from 15 balls. Despite losing Pollard for 45 off 23 balls, the Brave maintained momentum, with Chris Jordan hitting the winning boundary to seal a two-wicket win.
Match Summary
- Toss: Lewis Gregory (TR) won the toss and chose to bat
- Trent Rockets Innings: 126/8 in 100 balls
- Tom Banton: 30 (17)
- Lewis Gregory: 19 (17)
- Key Bowler: Chris Jordan (3/22) in 20 balls
- Southern Brave Innings: 127/8 in 99 balls
- Kieron Pollard: 45 (23)
- Alex Davies: 28 (19)
- Key Bowler: John Turner (3/24) in 20 balls
Key Moments
Tom Banton’s great opening knock
Tom Banton showcased his aggressive style as Trent Rockets’ opener attacking from the outset. He took on Akeal Hosein early, hitting him for two boundaries. Banton maintained his aggressive approach, accumulating a quickfire 30 runs off just 17 deliveries, setting the tone for the Rockets’ innings. His performance underlined his exceptional ability to dominate the opposition spinners right from the start. He will aim to continue his impressive form in the business end of The Hundred event.
Chris Jordan’s Brilliant Show With the Ball
Chris Jordan was Southern Brave’s standout bowler, delivering a masterclass in economy and precision. The English veteran expertly utilized lateral movement and slower deliveries to stifle the Trent Rockets’ batters. Jordan claimed three crucial wickets of Rovman Powell, Rashid Khan, and Chris Wood, disrupting the Rockets’ momentum. His disciplined performance was pivotal, finishing with impressive figures of 3/22 from his 20 balls. 
Kieron Pollard’s Batting Carnage
Kieron Pollard entered the game on the 52nd delivery with Southern Brave in a difficult position, having just lost captain James Vince. Initially, Pollard took a cautious approach playing slowly and accumulating only a few runs by the 78th delivery. However, the match took a dramatic turn when Pollard faced Rashid Khan. In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Pollard smashed Khan for five consecutive sixes in a single set. This explosive performance not only set a new record but also shifted the momentum entirely in favor of Southern Brave. Pollard’s heroics transformed the game, ultimately guiding his team to a stunning victory.
Implications and Future Prospects
In a thrilling encounter brimming with twists, Southern Brave secured victory by 2 wickets. The openers started positively, but a subsequent collapse, including the dismissal of in-form James Vince, caught at third man, put them on the back foot. Pollard and Hosein struggled, and Rashid Khan’s entrance seemed to seal their fate.
However, despite his retirement from international cricket, Pollard showcased his skills by smashing five consecutive sixes off Khan, dramatically shifting the game’s momentum. His run-out afterward offered the Rockets a glimmer of hope. With four runs needed from two balls, Chris Jordan delivered, hitting a boundary to clinch the win. This triumph marks the Brave’s fifth win, elevating them to second place in the standings.
Also Read
- The Hundred: Pooran’s Carnage Secures First Victory for Superchargers
- The Hundred: Bethell and Howell Secure First Win For Phoenix
- The Hundred: Thompson’s Delivers Thrilling Win for Rockets
- Rockets Start Strong with Victory Over Superchargers in The Hundred
- Global T20: Kirton’s Valiant Knock fails to secure Victory for Nationals, Face Two Losses in a Row
