Mitchell Santner Powers Trent Rockets One Step Closer to The Hundred Final

Mitchell Santner produced a sensational unbeaten half-century as Trent Rockets strengthened their position in The Hundred with a six-wicket victory over MI London at the Kia Oval.

Chasing 148 for victory, Trent Rockets reached their target with 10 balls to spare, securing their sixth consecutive win and guaranteeing a top-three finish. The result leaves the Rockets within touching distance of a direct place in the final.

The chase initially looked uncertain for the Rockets after they lost three wickets inside the first 30 balls. Tom Curran dismissed Finn Allen, while Aneurin Donald fell for 23 from just 10 deliveries after a costly mix-up in the running between the wickets.

Sam Billings was then brilliantly caught and bowled by Richard Gleeson for a duck, leaving Trent Rockets struggling at 46 for 3.

Ben Duckett attempted to rebuild the innings but found it difficult to score freely, making 27 from 26 balls before edging behind off Gleeson. With the Rockets needing a substantial partnership, Santner and Tim David stepped up at the crucial moment.

The pair put together an unbeaten 78-run fifth-wicket partnership, completely changing the momentum of the chase. Santner was particularly destructive, finishing unbeaten on 52 from only 23 balls, while David contributed an unbeaten 32 from 24 deliveries.

MI London also missed several opportunities in the field, dropping three catches in the space of 13 balls as the Rockets took control of the contest.

Earlier, MI London made a strong start after being asked to bat. Will Jacks attacked immediately, scoring 16 runs from Matt Henry's opening five deliveries.

However, Trent Rockets responded with some outstanding fielding. Tim David took an excellent catch off Craig Overton to dismiss James Vince, before Ben Duckett produced a superb direct hit from extra cover to run out Nicholas Pooran.

Calvin Harrison then added another moment of brilliance, taking a one-handed caught-and-bowled chance to dismiss Jacks for 39 from 26 balls. MI London were reduced to 70 for 3 after 56 deliveries.

Sam Curran then took responsibility for the innings, striking three sixes in five deliveries on his way to a commanding 72 from 46 balls. However, he received little support from the rest of the batting order.

Ollie Pope was retired out after scoring only eight from nine balls, while Sikandar Raza made 16 from 11 deliveries. Sherfane Rutherford fell for a golden duck to Lewis Gregory, who later returned to dismiss Curran for a career-best score in The Hundred.

Despite Curran's efforts, MI London's total of 147 for 7 was not enough to challenge a Rockets side with an impressive record in run chases.

The victory means Trent Rockets have now won six of their seven matches and are guaranteed a top-three finish. They will secure direct passage to the final if they defeat Southern Brave in their next match on Monday.

MI London, meanwhile, face a crucial encounter against bottom-placed Birmingham Phoenix at Edgbaston on Wednesday. A defeat could end their hopes of reaching Friday's Eliminator.

Speaking after the match, Santner said the team was pleased with its run of victories but remained focused on finishing at the top of the table.

"Six wins out of seven but we're not guaranteed to finish top. We know it's a big game on Monday, and we know there are quality teams throughout this competition, so it's going to be a tight finish," Santner said.