Stubbs and Stoinis Spark Six-Wicket Win to Dent Rockets’ Final Hopes

Tristan Stubbs and Marcus Stoinis helped Southern Brave beat Trent Rockets by six wickets, bringing an end to the hosts’ six-game winning run and preventing them from securing direct qualification for the 2026 Men’s Hundred final.

Southern Brave chased down 159 with three balls left, finishing on 159 for 4. Stubbs stayed unbeaten on 52, while Stoinis struck 46 from 25 balls. The two batters put on 70 runs from 41 deliveries for the fourth wicket, which changed the game in the visitors’ favour.

Stubbs reached his fifty in 28 balls after sending Lewis Gregory over the boundary for six and then finished the chase with three balls still remaining. Stoinis also made a quick start, smashing Calvin Harrison for two sixes and a four from his opening three deliveries before being dismissed for 46.

Jamie Smith and Moeen Ali put together a 42-run opening partnership to give Brave a good beginning. The Rockets then fought back with three quick wickets, leaving Southern Brave on 78 for 3 after 52 balls. Craig Overton removed Smith, while Harrison got both Moeen and David Miller. Stubbs and Stoinis then joined forces and quickly took control of the chase, combining for a decisive partnership that broke the opposition’s momentum and guided their side to a comfortable victory.

Santner and Gregory Lift Rockets

Earlier, Trent Rockets scored 158 for 5 after being asked to bat first. Duckett made 17 from 14 balls, Allen scored 23 from 12 and Donald added 19 from 9, but the late partnership between Mitch Santner (35* off 23) and Lewis Gregory (28* off 18) proved important.

The two came together when the Rockets were 92 for 5 and added 66 from 39 balls. Gregory ended the innings with two consecutive boundaries, helping the hosts reach a competitive total that eventually fell short.

Rockets Miss Direct Qualification

The defeat meant Trent Rockets missed the chance to finish top and secure direct qualification for the Lord’s final. Their final position will now be affected by the result between Sunrisers Leeds and Manchester Super Giants.

Southern Brave had already been eliminated from the knockout race, so the victory gave them a much-needed positive ending to an inconsistent campaign. Stubbs’ unbeaten knock and his partnership with Stoinis helped the visitors keep their composure when the game was still in the balance.

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