All-rounder Nadine de Klerk held her nerve to guide London Spirit to a tense five-wicket win over Trent Rockets with three balls to spare in The Hundred women's competition at Trent Bridge. Chasing 143, Spirit recovered from 67-4 after losing four wickets for 12 runs, and De Klerk finished unbeaten on 41 from 22 balls to seal their first win of the season.
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Grace Harris had given Spirit a positive start with 37 from 20 balls, but the chase became difficult before De Klerk and Marie Kelly put on 63 from 37 balls to turn the match back in Spirit's favour. Kelly began slowly, which raised some concern with power-hitter Deandra Dottin waiting in the dugout, but she then accelerated to make 39 from 26 deliveries.
After Kelly was dismissed with 13 still needed, Rockets' bowlers worked to take the contest deep, but De Klerk, who has developed a reputation as a finisher over the past couple of years, struck two sixes in the last four balls of the innings. Her calm late hitting ensured Spirit reached 146-5 in 97 balls and completed the chase.
Earlier, South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp had set the tone with the ball for Spirit, taking 3-12. Kapp bowled Beth Mooney first ball and then removed Sophia Dunkley and Sophie Luff, putting Rockets under pressure early.
Despite that, Ash Gardner made 34 and Bess Heath scored a dynamic 31 from 19 balls as Rockets recovered to 142-7 in their 100 balls. Gardner was caught on the boundary off England spinner Charlie Dean, who also impressed with 2-18, helping Spirit keep the run-rate in check as Heath found limited support from the lower order.
Both sides now have one win from two matches, although Rockets sit third in the table and are more comfortable thanks to a superior net run-rate. London Spirit's victory came after they had started the tournament with pressure on their batting unit, but this result moved them into contention after a narrow and hard-fought finish.
The earlier match between Manchester Super Giants and Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford was abandoned without a ball bowled.
What is happening on Monday?
Southern Brave play MI London in Southampton in Monday's double header. In the women's competition, the home side will be aiming to stay top of the table after two wins from two, while MI London are still looking for their first victory. That match starts at 15:00 BST.
The Brave men are also without a win so far and their match follows at 18:30. Ball-by-ball commentary will be available on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the website and app.
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