In a significant development, Trent Rockets have announced the signing of Sophia Dunkley ahead of The Hundred 2026. She is among the tournament’s leading run-getters, third highest in the women’s competition, a testament to her impact and consistency in the innovative 100-ball format.
At just 27 years old, the right-handed batter has already carved a distinguished international career for England Women. Since making her T20I debut in 2018, Dunkley has gone on to amass 1,245 runs in 60 WT20I innings, with a batting average in the mid-20s and a strike rate well above 120, a combination that underlines both her reliability and her ability to accelerate the scoreboard. Her highest WT20I score of 81*, achieved in a brilliant chase, remains one of her standout international performances.
Dunkley’s journey into elite cricket began in Surrey, where she developed her skills before bursting onto the domestic and then international scene. Since her England debut during the 2018 Women’s T20 World Cup, she has become a core part of the national set-up, contributing across conditions and partnerships at the top and middle of the order. Her ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and convert starts into meaningful innings has made her a valuable asset in England’s limited-overs squads.
Her WT20I numbers tell a story of power and adaptability. In 72 matches, she has recorded six half-centuries, striking 145 fours and 21 sixes, illustrating her penchant for boundary hitting when the situation demands. Her overall average of around 25 and strike rate over 122 make her one of England’s more dynamic batters in the shortest format.
Beyond raw statistics, Dunkley’s contributions have come in crucial moments for England. In one memorable WT20I against West Indies, she crafted an unbeaten 81, guiding her side to a comfortable victory after early setbacks, demonstrating both temperament and finishing power. On other occasions, such as against India, she’s been part of record partnerships that have put England in commanding positions. These performances reinforce her reputation not just as a high scorer, but as someone who can anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
Her signing with Trent Rockets, a franchise that has become known for nurturing explosive talent, will add firepower to an already competitive batting line-up featuring Nat Sciver-Brunt and Ash Gardner. Rockets’ management highlighted her consistency in The Hundred, where she has racked up over 1,065 runs and grown into one of the competition’s most effective run-makers. Her approach blends elegance with aggression, making her a perfect fit for the fast-paced, strategic style of The Hundred.
She first featured for Southern Brave in The Hundred (2021 & 2022), before switching to Trent Rockets (2023 – 2025). Her best season yet remains her Welsh Fire debut, 262 runs across 7 innings, at an average of 37.42 and strike rate of 138.62. She was also a standout in the inaugural season, adding 244 runs in 9 outings, averaging a healthy 40.66 and striking at 141.86.
Teaming up with the Rockets also provides Dunkley with a fresh stage to showcase her leadership and experience, particularly after a period of rebuilding within the England set-up post-Ashes. Her presence is expected to inspire younger players and add depth to the Rockets’ batting order, where every run has a significant impact on match outcomes.
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