Trent Rockets demolish Welsh Fire by nine wickets in Cardiff to make it two wins from three matches in this season's Hundred.

Ben Duckett struck an unbeaten half-century as Trent Rockets demolished Welsh Fire by nine wickets in Cardiff to make it two wins from three matches in this season's Hundred. Chasing 123 on a tricky two-paced wicket at Sophia Gardens, the visitors made a solid start through Duckett before Finn Allen picked up the pace with a rapid 33 from 19 balls during a 75-run opening partnership. Allen eventually fell to Rachin Ravindra with Rockets needing 48 runs from 56 balls. England opener Duckett, however, continued to build a cautious innings, reaching his seventh half-century in the competition's history in 43 balls. Fire's task of defending a paltry total was not helped by the seven free hits their bowlers conceded and with Tom Banton adding a brisk unbeaten 31 from 15 balls, Rockets reached the target with 28 balls to spare. The win sealed a double for Rockets over Fire on Wednesday after their women's side had also won comfortably earlier. Batting first, Fire had huffed and puffed to 122-7 after losing Phil Salt and Joe Root early for single figures to Matt Henry's bowling. Matt Short proved to be the only top-order batter to make a meaningful contribution for the home side with 36 from 26 balls.