The Hundred 2024: Dan Mousley's heroics help Birmingham Phoenix beat Trent Rockets

Mousley sent down successive sets, taking three wickets and defending 10, as Rockets suffered their first defeat of the 2024 edition

ECB Media | 31/07/2024 at 21:59

Trent Bridge: Birmingham Phoenix 138-2, Trent Rockets 132-8 - Birmingham Phoenix won by six runs

Dan Mousley snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for Birmingham Phoenix against Trent Rockets in The Hundred with a stunning final 10 deliveries.

The young all-rounder took three wickets for just three runs to see Phoenix over the line from an almost impossible situation.

With the Rockets chasing 138, only 10 runs were needed from as many balls with five wickets remaining, until Mousley took matters into his own hands by sending down spearing yorkers to bowl Lewis Gregory and Rashid Khan, before dismissing Jordan Thompson for a golden duck.

The Rockets had earlier been cruising to victory – going at a run a ball for the first 20, which only included two boundaries.

The new top-ranked men's Test batter in the world Joe Root came into the side and accelerated the scoring during the powerplay, with 17 from his first six balls, including a trademark reverse scoop to clear the rope.

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^{Jacob Bethell had earlier lashed an unbeaten 46 as Phoenix set 139 (Getty Images)}

When he was dismissed for 33 from 19 balls, Rockets pushed singles and twos on their way to the target but approaching the finishing line the hosts lost Rovman Powell and Sam Hain to consecutive balls, which allowed pressure to build and the Rockets ultimately came up short.

Jacob Bethell's unbeaten 46 had earlier dragged Phoenix to what was thought to be a sub-par 138 from the first 100 balls of the match.

The English youngster showed all of his talent at the back end of the innings with an array of shots from his 29 balls at the crease.

Many of his Phoenix teammates had struggled to score quickly thanks to world-class bowling from the Rockets attack, but their total proved to be enough - thanks in the main to Mousley.