All-Round Gregory Help Rockets Crush Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred 2026

Trent Rockets continued their strong run in The Hundred by securing their fifth win in six matches and staying at the top of the points table. Meanwhile, Birmingham Phoenix remained at the bottom after another disappointing performance.

After deciding to bowl first, Trent Rockets saw Will Smeed create an unwanted record in The Hundred. He became the first batter in the tournament’s history to remain not out without scoring at the end of the Powerplay.

Birmingham Phoenix scored 25 runs during the opening phase but lost Mitch Owen’s wicket to Mohammad Amir, who was forced off the field immediately after the dismissal due to a hamstring strain.

Smeed was eventually dismissed for six runs from 16 balls as Birmingham Phoenix struggled against a disciplined Rockets bowling attack. Spinners Calvin Harrison and Mitch Santner, along with Lewis Gregory, delivered impressive performances to keep the batters under pressure.

Joe Clarke was the only Phoenix batter who managed to score freely. He brought up a half-century from 37 balls and ended his innings with 62 off 47 deliveries. However, Craig Overton dismissed him with a catch that became part of a record-breaking fielding effort in the competition.

Apart from Clarke, only Laurie Evans crossed double figures as Phoenix finished with a below-par total of 111/6 from their 100 balls.

Coming out to chase the target, Trent Rockets started smoothly and raced to 29 runs at the end of the Powerplay.

Usman Tariq then produced the first breakthrough for Phoenix by removing Ben Duckett. However, their total was too low to put real pressure on the Rockets, as they kept playing steadily.

Nye Donald added a quick 17 from six balls before getting out, while Allen and Billings kept the scoreboard moving with a calm partnership. They rotated the strike regularly and kept the chase under control.

Billings then increased the pace by hitting two consecutive sixes off Saqib Mahmood, bringing the Rockets closer to victory. He finished the job with another six as Trent Rockets reached the target with 17 balls remaining. The victory strengthened their position at the top and improved their chances of securing a direct place in the final with two matches still left.