Earlier in the game, Morgan put the Trent Rockets to bowl. That decision was looking right as the London Spirit slow bowlers were fantastic. Trent Rockets managed to get to a fighting total of 123 courtesy of D'Arcy Short's 69. He scored 18 in the final set of 5 and that proved to be the difference.
For his fantastic 69, D'ARCY SHORT is named the HERO OF THE MATCH! D'Arcy Short says that they felt they needed 150 but was happy to get close to 130. Tells the pitch was slow and the ball was holding and turning. Short says that he was just hit out or get out in the final over. Short says it was good to play in front of the crowd and he enjoyed it.
Another fantastic bowling performance from Trent Rockets! You do not see a bowling captain not bowl but that is what Gregory did. Spin it, to win it seems to be the mantra for Trent Rockets as their spinners once again turned up to the party. 75 balls out of 100 were bowled by spinners. It proved to be the right ploy as well. Matthew Carter and Samit Patel were again fantastic as they shared 6 wickets equally between them while going for just 17 and 20 respectively. Rashid was magical again as he finished with 2/13. Marchant de Lange was expensive and wicketless but finished the job. Overall another fantastic showing with the ball by the Rockets!
Chasing 124, London Spirit did not need a fierce start but all they needed to do was to start steadily. The home side though lost 3 wickets inside the Powerplay and could not get going. A lot of players got starts but were unable to build partnerships or capitalize on the starts. The lower middle-order tried their best and almost pulled off a heist but not to be. Roelof van der Merwe tried his best and so did young Blake Cullen but it was too little too late as the task at hand was too much. Morgan and co. will be disappointed with their showing as this was a game they would have believed they could win.
Another fantastic showing from Trent Rockets and they are showing why they are the team to beat in this tournament! They have managed to defend 124 and shown their might yet again. What a tremendous fight from Roelof van der Merwe and Blake Cullen though! A little more from the top order and London Spirit would have had their first win of the season.
Over 20
4
1b
1
0
0
Blake Cullen*
15 (9)
Roelof van der Merwe
25 (18)
Marchant de Lange
0/34 (4)
LNS
116/8
0
100
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,Another short of a length ball on middle. Cullen swings and misses.
0
99
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,Dot ball! A short ball on middle. Cullen looks to pull but misses. The game is set, just de Lange have to bowl a legal delivery.
1
98
Marchant de Lange to Roelof van der Merwe ,Just a single. A low full toss outside off. Roelof van der Merwe looks to push but gets a thick outside edge towards the fine leg for a single. 8 needed now.
Alex Hales is having a word with Marchant de Lange and Lewis Gregory.
1b
97
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,BYE! Lange serves a full ball on the pad. Cullen misses his flick. Roelof van der Merwe runs across and completes the bye before the keeper throws it. 9 needed now.
4
96
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,FOUR! Blake Cullen is playing a cameo his team required! A short ball outside off. Culler slaps it over backward point for a boundary. 10 needed now.
Lewis Gregory is having a word with the pacer and looks like he will bowl the set of 10! 14 needed off 5 balls.
Over 19
1
4
0
1
6
Blake Cullen*
11 (5)
Roelof van der Merwe
24 (17)
Marchant de Lange
0/29 (3)
LNS
110/8
6
95
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,SIX! Can these change the momentum for London Spirit! A short of a length ball on middle. Blake Cullen rocks back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a biggie.
1
94
Marchant de Lange to Roelof van der Merwe ,On a length on off. Roelof van der Merwe pushes it to covers for a single.
0
93
Marchant de Lange to Roelof van der Merwe ,Dot balls are gold dust now! A pacy short ball on middle. Roelof van der Merwe swings and misses.
4
92
Marchant de Lange to Roelof van der Merwe ,FOUR! Lovely from Roelof van der Merwe, need more of this! A full ball on off. Roelof van der Merwe makes room on the off side and creams it through covers for a boundary.
1
91
Marchant de Lange to Blake Cullen ,Serves a full length and on middle. Cullen tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Final 10 balls of the game! 26 needed and Marchant de Lange will bowl!