Match Preview: Trent Rockets Women vs Southern Brave Women – The Hundred 2026

Date: Monday, 10th August 2026
Time: 15:00 GMT
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Competition: The Hundred Women's (League Stage, Match 29)

As The Hundred Women's 2026 tournament enters its final stretch of league fixtures, the stakes could not be higher. In a blockbuster clash at Trent Bridge, the table-topping Trent Rockets Women host the runners-up Southern Brave Women in a match that could effectively decide the playoff seeding for the top two spots.

Current Form and Standings

Trent Rockets Women: The Formidable Favorites
The Rockets arrive in Nottingham riding an impressive five-match winning streak. Having won six of their seven league matches so far, they sit comfortably at the summit of the table. Their offense has been led by the dynamic Sophia Dunkley, who is currently the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 259 runs at a staggering strike rate of 167.09.

The Rockets' batting lineup, featuring Australian stars Beth Mooney and Nat Sciver-Brunt, combined with the all-round prowess of captain Ashleigh Gardner, has proven nearly unbreakable this season. Their recent victories include dominant displays against Birmingham Phoenix and a gritty win over Sunrisers Leeds, showcasing their depth and adaptability.

Southern Brave Women: The Resurgent Challengers
Southern Brave enters this fixture in second place, having secured five wins and suffered two losses. However, their momentum has recently stalled, coming into this match on the back of back-to-back defeats against Welsh Fire and Manchester Super Giants.

Despite the recent slump, the Brave possess a squad of immense pedigree. Led by Sophie Molineux (captain) and Lizelle Lee, their bowling attack remains a potent threat. Sophie Molineux has been the joint-leading wicket-taker in the tournament, claiming 11 scalps at an excellent economy rate of 5.61. The presence of South African all-rounder Sarah Glenn and the experienced Lauren Bell (who was the tournament's top wicket-taker in the previous edition) ensures the Brave have the firepower to turn the tide.

Head-to-Head History

Historically, this fixture has heavily favored the Southern Brave.

• Total Matches Played: 6
• Trent Rockets Wins: 1
• Southern Brave Wins: 5
• Tied: 0

The Brave dominated the early editions of the tournament, including a memorable victory in the 2025 final. However, the Rockets have shown marked improvement in recent seasons, and their current form suggests the historical trend may be about to break.

Key Players to Watch

• Sophia Dunkley (Trent Rockets): In red-hot form, Dunkley is the batter to watch. Her ability to clear the ropes against spin and pace makes her the focal point of the Rockets' batting order.
• Sophie Molineux (Southern Brave): As the captain and a premier left-arm spinner, Molineux will be crucial in containing the Rockets' middle order. Her ability to take wickets in the middle overs could shift the momentum.
• Beth Mooney (Trot Rockets): The experienced Australian wicket-keeper batter provides stability at the top, often setting the platform for a big total.
• Lauren Bell (Southern Brave): The former top wicket-taker remains a lethal new-ball option who can strike early to put the Rockets on the back foot.

Pitch Report and Conditions

The Trent Bridge pitch in Nottingham has historically offered a balanced contest. While the surface generally favors batters who can settle into their innings, there is enough assistance for the spinners, particularly in the middle overs.

Given the "No-Toss" policy in The Hundred (where the team winning the toss must bat first, unless a specific tie-breaker applies), the captain who wins the toss will likely opt to bowl first, aiming to chase a target on a surface that tends to be slightly easier to bat on as the game progresses. The average first-innings score at this venue suggests a total between 125 and 135 is competitive.

Match Prediction

This match promises to be a tight contest between the league leaders and the team with the best historical record in this fixture. While the Southern Brave have the historical edge and a fearsome bowling attack led by Molineux, the Trent Rockets' current five-match winning streak and the explosive form of Sophia Dunkley make them the slight favorites.

The key battle will be whether the Brave's bowlers can disrupt the Rockets' momentum or if the Rockets can impose their will on the Brave's batting lineup.

Verdict:

• Probable Winner: Trent Rockets Women. Their current form and the home advantage at Trent Bridge give them the edge, although a Brave victory is never out of the question given their historical dominance.
• Match Outlook: Expect a high-scoring affair where the team chasing the target has a slight statistical advantage, a common trend in The Hundred's 100-ball format.

Disclaimer: Predictions are based on current team form, historical data, and expert analysis. Cricket is an unpredictable sport, and live match conditions can alter outcomes.