Ben Duckett played a pivotal role as Trent Rockets secured a narrow five-run victory over Sunrisers Leeds in the men’s competition of The Hundred at Trent Bridge on Monday. The England batsman scored 64 runs off 47 balls, reaching his half-century with a series of five consecutive boundaries off bowler Liam Patterson-White. Duckett's innings featured aggressive stroke play, helping the hosts post a total of 146 for four.
Supporting Duckett was Aneurin Donald, who made a notable impact in his Rockets debut by scoring 40 runs from 19 balls, including three sixes. Sunrisers Leeds appeared well positioned to chase down the target, with a 71-run partnership for the third wicket between Mitchell Marsh and Harry Brook setting a strong foundation. With just 35 runs needed from the last 20 balls, the visitors seemed on course for victory.
However, key tight bowling from Mohammad Amir turned the tide. Amir conceded only five runs from four consecutive deliveries before Duckett executed a diving catch to dismiss Brook, who had scored 46. Amir soon trapped Marsh, caught by Sam Billings for 41, ending the innings and leaving Sunrisers at 141 for eight. Amir finished with figures of two wickets for 20 runs, helping Trent Rockets extend their winning streak to four games and maintain their lead atop the standings.
In separate news, London Spirit will be without fast bowler Tymal Mills for the remainder of The Hundred season due to a hamstring injury. Mills played briefly in Spirit’s opening game against Manchester Super Giants on July 23 but has since missed three matches after delivering just five balls.
In other domestic cricket, Leicestershire Foxes strengthened their position in Group A of the Metro Bank One Day Cup with a comprehensive 164-run victory over Somerset. Ben Cox led the batting effort with 89 runs, supported by Ian Holland’s 77, compiling a total of 289. Somerset struggled in their innings, falling to 125 all out, with Ben Green and Alex Green taking three wickets apiece.
Nottinghamshire were defeated by Kent by five wickets at Beckenham despite Ben Martindale’s impressive 101. Kent’s Harry Finch contributed a crucial 88 to secure the win. Gloucestershire dropped to the bottom of the Group A table after a six-wicket loss to Warwickshire, while Northamptonshire moved clear with a 67-run victory over Lancashire.
In Group B, Middlesex have taken the lead, overtaking Yorkshire following a 35-run triumph against them. Durham hold third place after a nine-wicket win over Hampshire, with both Middlesex and Durham on 16 points in the standings.