Trent Rockets produced a stunning upset, defeating table-topping Oval Invincibles by six wickets in the most thrilling of Hundreds, at Trent Bridge.

There was also the added incentive for the Invincibles that victory would guarantee them a passage straight to the final. The invincibles were also sure to end up in the knockout stage, but the Rockets—who had already been eliminated from the competition—pulled off something magical.

The Invincibles were given a strong platform by Dawid Malan’s unbeaten 53, taking them to a testing total of 150-3. Tom Alsop and Rovman Powell responded with calibrated aggression that laid the base for victory, achieved with six balls to spare.

Ben Sutherland from Crystal Palace, London, UK, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alsop remained unbeaten on 41, but it was Powell’s explosive 27-ball 45, studded with four sixes, which proved to be the catalyst for the Rockets’ triumph. It was a bittersweet win for the Rockets, but the team ably rose to the challenge and proved at the end that never-say-die spirit does make a difference.

Now, it leaves the Invincibles with the nervy wait for the outcome of the Birmingham Phoenix versus Manchester Originals match. If Phoenix wins, it can see them drop from first position to an eliminator spot.

The innings was dramatic, full of action, so was the experience of Saqib Mahmood, Invincibles bowler. He dropped Tom Banton early in the piece, only to see his lbw appeal upheld by the third umpire. Just when he thought he had Banton out, it was overruled. Eventually, he dismissed Banton for six.

The match also produced a thrilling finish. Tightening the screws at the end, the Invincibles only allowed eight runs off the last ten balls. However, the Rockets held their nerve, sealing victory with four balls to spare.

Rockets batter Alex Hales stated that his side was disappointed to have fallen short by missing the playoffs by a minimum margin but showed good character in winning. Invincibles batter Ollie Cox admitted to having been beaten but still confident of their chances in the knockout stages.

The Hundred continues to produce nerve-jangling games, and this was no different. With the tournament entering its final stages, more excitement lies ahead over the coming days.