Trent Rockets saved their slim hopes of a Hundred play-off place alive with a three-run victory over backside aspect Birmingham Phoenix at Trent Bridge.
Bryony Smith starred with bat and ball for Rockets, placing 64 from 40 balls as they posted 134-6 after which conceding solely seven of the 11 runs Phoenix required from the ultimate set of 5 deliveries.
Rockets at the moment are on seven factors from seven video games however can be out of competition for a top-three place if Welsh Fireplace, at the moment third on 9 factors, choose up one level from their ultimate two matches, beginning towards London Spirit on Sunday.
Prime two Southern Courageous and Northern Superchargers have already secured play-off locations and solely Rockets and defending champions Oval Invincibles can stop Fireplace from finishing the highest three.
Invincibles play Courageous in Saturday’s second ladies’s match understanding solely a victory will hold them within the play-off chase.
Smith’s fifty helped Rockets to 71-1 from 40 balls however they solely managed 63-5 from the following 60 as Phoenix quick bowler Emily Arlott took three wickets – together with bowling Nat Sciver-Brunt for 18 – and leg-spinner Katie Levick claimed two.
Amy Jones (46no off 30) saved Phoenix within the chase, slapping Alexa Stonehouse for 3 fours in a row within the penultimate set of 5, whereas Sterre Kalis (7no) then drove Smith via the covers to chop the requirement to seven from 4 balls.
However Smith shipped solely three runs from that time as Phoenix completed on 131-4 and slipped to a sixth defeat in seven video games, with their sole level up to now this season coming by dint of a washout within the reverse fixture towards Rockets.
Rockets subsequent face Invincibles at The Kia Oval on Monday – by which era each groups might be out of the play-off race – whereas Phoenix finish their marketing campaign at residence to Spirit on Thursday.
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