The Southern Brave dealt a significant blow to the Trent Rockets' campaign, snapping their six-match winning streak with a six-wicket victory at Trent Bridge. The result leaves the Rockets in an anxious position, as they now must wait for the Sunrisers Leeds to face the Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground; a Sunrisers win would see them overtake the Rockets on net run-rate and deny the hosts an automatic spot in the final at Lord's.
Chasing a target of 159, the Southern Brave secured the win with three balls remaining. Tristan Stubbs, who was named the Meerkat Match Hero, anchored the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 28 deliveries, hitting a six off Lewis Gregory to reach his half-century. He was supported by a crucial 70-run partnership off 41 balls with Marcus Stoinis, who contributed 46 off 25 balls before falling to Ben Sanderson.
The Brave's pursuit began steadily with Jamie Smith (26 off 18) and Moeen Ali (17 off 14) putting on 40 runs in the first 25 balls. Craig Overton provided the first breakthrough for the Rockets, with Smith dismissed via a relay catch involving Finn Allen and Calvin Harrison. Harrison later claimed the wickets of both Moeen Ali and David Miller to keep the pressure on.
Earlier, the Trent Rockets posted 158 for 5 after being asked to bat. While Ben Duckett (17), Finn Allen (23), and Aneurin Donald (19) provided quick starts, the innings found momentum through a 66-run sixth-wicket stand between Mitch Santner (35 off 23) and Lewis Gregory (28 off 18). Despite this late surge, the total proved insufficient against the Brave's batting effort.
Reflecting on the campaign, Stubbs noted the frustration of a season defined by early close losses, stating that while it was a nice way to finish, the team struggled to find momentum until the final stages of the tournament.
