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The much-anticipated 2023 season of The Hundred kicked off with a bang as Trent Rockets eked out a thrilling six-run victory over Southern Brave at Trent Bridge. Sam Hain’s explosive batting and a collective bowling effort proved to be the winning formula for the defending champions.
Opting to bowl first, Southern Brave struck early blows as Craig Overton‘s fiery opening spell sent both Trent Rockets’ openers back to the pavilion with only 25 runs on the board after 23 balls. However, Hain’s brilliance and a vital 78-run partnership with Imad Wasim helped Rockets recover from the early setbacks.
Hain’s aggressive innings of 63 off 39 deliveries powered the Rockets to a respectable total of 133, given the challenging conditions at Trent Bridge. The Brave’s bowlers tried their best to contain the flow of runs, but Hain’s onslaught kept the scoreboard ticking for the defending champions.
In response, Southern Brave’s openers, Devon Conway and Finn Allen, started cautiously, building a promising 41-run partnership. However, the Rockets’ bowlers soon found their rhythm on the helpful surface, causing a flurry of wickets at regular intervals.
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Despite Leus du Plooy‘s valiant knock of 29 off 19 balls, no other middle-order batter for the Brave managed to make a significant impact. The Rockets’ bowlers executed their plans to perfection, and the Brave found themselves struggling to keep up with the required run rate.
Chris Jordan‘s late heroics kept Brave’s hopes alive, with two sixes and a four bringing the equation down to 11 runs required off the last five deliveries. The nail-biting finish had fans on the edge of their seats, but Daniel Sams, with nerves of steel, delivered the goods for the Rockets.
Sams’ crucial two-wicket burst, including the dismissal of Jordan, sealed a heart-stopping win for the Rockets. The holders successfully defended their total, showcasing their determination and resilience to start the tournament on a winning note.
As the dust settles on the exhilarating opening clash, both teams can take positives from their performances. Hain’s spectacular innings and Rockets’ bowling unit firing on all cylinders will undoubtedly bolster their confidence for the upcoming matches.
Brief scores:
Trent Rockets 133-8 in 100 balls (Sam Hain 63; Chris Jordan 3/18) beat Southern Brave 127 in 99 balls (Leus du Plooy 29; Lewis Gregory 3/19, Daniel Sams 3/26) by 6 runs.
