Nat Sciver-Brunt played a key role in Trent Rockets’ three-wicket win over Southern Brave but admitted her batting position was partly managed because of her calf injury. Nat Sciver-Brunt helped Trent Rockets secure their place in the final stages of The Hundred 2026 with an important contribution in their three-wicket win over Southern Brave at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, on August 10.
The all-rounder scored a quick 32 from 19 balls, hitting five fours, as the Rockets chased down 118 with two balls to spare. She was named Player of the Match for her contribution in a tense chase. However, after the game, the main talking point was not only her match-winning role but also how the team is managing her calf injury during the busy final part of the competition.
Trent Rockets had chosen to field first and were set a target of 118. Their chase did not start smoothly as they lost three wickets for just 10 runs, putting early pressure on the home side. Ashleigh Gardner then played a key role in changing the game, scoring 37 from 25 balls with five fours and a six, while Bess Heath added 18 from 19 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt came in later and played a fast and important innings of 32 from 19 balls. Although she was run out at 117, Georgia Elwiss finished the job with an unbeaten 10 from four balls, helping the Rockets reach 118/7 in 98 balls and win by three wickets with two balls remaining.
Speaking after the match, Sciver-Brunt said she was happy to be part of a winning team and admitted that the conditions were not the easiest for batting. She also praised the way Southern Brave bowled during the first part of the match. Her comments showed that she was pleased with how she was able to come in, settle quickly and make an impact despite the team having already lost early wickets. Her 32-run knock came at a strike rate of 168.42 and gave the Rockets the push they needed towards the end of the chase.
“Happy to be here on the winning side. Wicket was a bit slow, they bowled pretty well in the first half. Happy to be able to come in and get going.”
Sciver-Brunt was also asked about her batting position and whether it was a tactical decision or part of the team’s plan to manage her injury. She explained that it was a combination of both. With several players in good form, the Rockets have been able to give others more time in the middle while also making sure Sciver-Brunt’s workload is handled carefully. Her answer made it clear that the team is balancing her role with the need to keep her fit for the matches that matter most at the end of the tournament.
“A bit of both. Probably batted quite well as a side, so for the others to have a hit. And a bit of management (of my calf injury) as well.”
The calf issue has not stopped Sciver-Brunt from making an impact for Trent Rockets. Against Southern Brave, she arrived at an important stage of the chase and scored at a quick pace, finding the boundary five times. Her innings helped keep the required rate under control before her dismissal with the scores level at 117. With Georgia Elwiss then hitting the winning runs, the Rockets completed the chase and moved to 28 points from eight matches, with seven wins and one defeat. They also continued to sit at the top of the points table with an impressive net run rate of +1.391.
Sciver-Brunt believes the Rockets are in a good place because several players are performing well and the team has found a good balance. The result against Southern Brave was another important step as they prepare for the final stage of the competition. The Rockets have won seven of their eight league matches, and their strong run has given the squad plenty of confidence. Sciver-Brunt said that confidence will be important as they now prepare for the next phase of the tournament.
“We have got a lot of people in form and high on confidence. We have balanced our side nicely, and (being) high on confidence is the main thing.”
With the league campaign moving towards its final stage, the Rockets now have some time to recover and prepare for their next challenge. Sciver-Brunt said the team already knows what it needs to do and will use the break to refresh before returning to training. For the all-rounder, this short period will also give the team an opportunity to manage workloads and make sure everyone is ready for the important matches ahead. Her calf will remain something to keep an eye on, but her comments suggest the team is taking a careful approach rather than taking unnecessary risks.
“Building up to Sunday, we sort of know what we need to do. Couple of days to refresh and then back in on Thursday or Friday.”
The Rockets have also enjoyed strong support at Trent Bridge throughout the season, and Sciver-Brunt was pleased to see the home crowd create another good atmosphere. She thanked the fans and said the team was happy to give them more wins at home. With Trent Rockets now sitting comfortably at the top of the table, the players will look to carry that support and confidence into the final stage of the competition. For Sciver-Brunt, the focus will be on staying fit, managing her calf carefully and continuing to contribute whenever the team needs her.
“We have some special fans. Great atmosphere and glad we could get a few more wins (at home) this season.”
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