Trent Rockets Women vs Birmingham Phoenix Women – Match Preview (27 August 2025)

Date: 27 August 2025
Time: 15:00 GMT / 19:30 IST
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Format: T20 / The Hundred Women's 2025
Match Number: 31

Match Overview

As The Hundred Women's 2025 heads into its final stages, Trent Rockets Women and Birmingham Phoenix Women meet in a crucial encounter at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. With the Rockets still in the playoff mix and the Phoenix looking to test new players for the upcoming season, this match promises to be an intriguing contest of strategy and execution.

Trent Rockets Women, led by Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, are in fifth place with 3 wins and 4 losses. Their recent victory over the Oval Invincibles has given them a much-needed boost, and with a positive net run rate, they remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Birmingham Phoenix Women, on the other hand, are in seventh place with just 2 wins in 7 games. Despite a strong bowling unit led by Emily Arlott and Megan Schutt, they have struggled with consistency in batting. Their skipper Ellyse Perry remains the key to their success and will be vital in turning the tide.

Key Players to Watch

Trent Rockets Women

• Nat Sciver-Brunt – The English captain has been a consistent performer with the bat, scoring 204 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 142.58.
• Ashleigh Gardner – A true all-rounder, Gardner has contributed 177 runs and taken 7 wickets this season.
• Kirstie Gordon – The spin-bowling threat with 9 wickets in 7 games at an economy of 6.22.
• Heather Graham – Provides a strong middle-order anchor and has been key in tight run chases.

Birmingham Phoenix Women

• Ellyse Perry – The Australian skipper has been the team’s highest run-scorer with 245 runs at an average of 30.63.
• Sterre Kalis – A reliable batter with 258 runs in 7 games, offering stability in the middle overs.
• Emily Arlott – The standout pacer with 15 wickets at an average of 14.20.
• Megan Schutt – The experienced leg-spinner who has picked up 10 wickets this season.

Recent Form

Trent Rockets Women (Last 6 Matches)

• 21 Aug 2025: WON vs Oval Invincibles (6 wickets, 16 balls to spare)
• 19 Aug 2025: LOST vs Manchester Originals (10 wickets, 18 balls to spare)
• 16 Aug 2025: LOST vs Southern Brave (6 wickets, 2 balls to spare)
• 14 Aug 2025: DREW vs London Spirit
• 10 Aug 2025: LOST vs Northern Superchargers (8 wickets, 21 balls to spare)
• 08 Aug 2025: LOST vs Birmingham Phoenix

Birmingham Phoenix Women (Last 6 Matches)

• 22 Aug 2025: LOST vs Welsh Fire
• 15 Aug 2025: LOST vs Northern Superchargers (8 wickets, 26 balls to spare)
• 12 Aug 2025: LOST vs Oval Invincibles (22-run margin)
• 10 Aug 2025: LOST vs Southern Brave
• 08 Aug 2025: WON vs Trent Rockets (8 wickets, 9 balls to spare)
• 17 Aug 2025: DREW vs London Spirit

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Trent Bridge is a well-balanced venue, offering early assistance to fast bowlers and gradually favoring batters as the game progresses. The surface is generally flat and true, making it a good batting pitch, especially under lights.

The weather forecast for 27 August is mostly cloudy and dry, with temperatures between 13°C and 19°C, and a light southerly breeze. These conditions are ideal for a full contest and should favor aggressive batting.

Toss Prediction & Tactical Insight

The toss is expected to be decisive, with the home side (Trent Rockets) likely to bat first. However, with the pitch offering early movement for bowlers, the toss could also be won and the decision made to bowl first.

Trent Rockets, with their balanced squad and recent form, are expected to make the most of the home advantage. The key for them will be to capitalize on the early swing and spin support. For the Phoenix, they will need Perry and Kalis to fire in the top and middle order, with Arlott and Schutt doing the bulk of the early wicket-taking.

Predicted Playing XI

Trent Rockets Women

1. Bryony Smith
2. Grace Scrivens
3. Nat Sciver-Brunt (c)
4. Ashleigh Gardner
5. Heather Graham
6. Alana King
7. Jodi Grewcock
8. Eleanor Threlkeld
9. Kirstie Gordon
10. Cassidy McCarthy
11. Alexa Stonehouse

Birmingham Phoenix Women

1. Ellyse Perry (c)
2. Georgia Voll
3. Emma Lamb
4. Amy Jones (wk)
5. Megan Schutt
6. Emily Arlott
7. Hannah Baker
8. Georgie Boyce
9. Sterre Kalis
10. Marie Kelly
11. Bethan Ellis

Final Prediction

Despite a poor run of form, Birmingham Phoenix have the firepower in their bowling unit and the experience of Ellyse Perry to make a challenge. However, Trent Rockets are in better form and have the advantage of playing at home on a pitch that favors batting.

Prediction: Trent Rockets Women to win by 6-8 runs

Odds and Match Stats

Conclusion

This match could be a turning point for both teams. A win for the Rockets could see them move up the ladder, while a Phoenix victory would inject much-needed confidence into their campaign. With the stage set and the pitch in good condition, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter at Trent Bridge.
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