S Poddar
Alex Hales and Rashid Khan were the stars of the show as Trent Rockets stormed past London Spirit in a thrilling Hundred clash.
Hales, the former England opener, went hammer and tongs. His innings was worth 68 runs off just 42 balls with the help of three boundaries and five towering sixes, laying the base for the Rockets’ imposing total of 166-4. It was also abetted by crucial partnerships with Tom Banton, who contributed 36, and Joe Root, who added 32, as the Spirit bowlers had no clue how to contain the onslaught.
It was then left to Rashid Khan to take centre stage, delivering a spell of leg-spin magic which left the Spirit batters bewildered. He took four crucial wickets, including two in two balls, to see the chase of Spirit go off the tracks. Despite Matt Critchley’s 37, in an upbeat effort, Spirit were bowled out for 144 as Rockets won by 22 runs.
The victory pushed Rockets to third in the Hundred table, while Spirit slipped to seventh after their fourth defeat in five matches.
Key moments:
- Hales’ brilliant innings of 68 pushed the Rockets to a strong total.
- Four-wicket haul by Rashid Khan was the match-winning performance.
- Critchley’s 37-run knock, well short to chase down the target for the Spirit.
Andre Russell hit a mighty six but himself was castled for 23.
Rockets seamer John Turner was removed from attack after bowling two consecutive beamers.
What they said:
Rashid Khan: “I’m very happy with my performance. I was just trying to bowl good areas, which paid off. It’s a great feeling when you contribute to a team victory.”
