The Hundred 2025Cricket Match ReportsCricket NewsDomestic CricketDomestic MatchesEngland Domestic CricketInternational LeagueJamie SmithKane WilliamsonLondon SpiritNew Zealand CricketersThe HundredTrent Rockets
Smith, Williamson Partnership Powers London Spirit to Dominant Win Over Trent Rockets in The Hundred 2025
Spirit Register First Win at Lord’s with All-Round Show
London Spirit opened their account in The Hundred 2025 with a commanding 21-run victory over Trent Rockets at Lord’s on Thursday. The foundation of the win was laid by a superb 73-run stand between Jamie Smith and Kane Williamson, followed by disciplined bowling that stifled the Rockets in the second half of their chase.
Although Marcus Stoinis impressed with both bat and ball (2-27 & 35* off 22 balls), the lack of support from his teammates meant the Rockets fell short of the 162-run target.
Smith and Williamson Steer Spirit to Strong Total
Early Setback but Quick Recovery
Put in to bat, Spirit suffered an early blow when the in-form David Warner was dismissed cheaply. However, Smith and Williamson took control, adding 73 runs in just 45 balls. Smith initially dominated the scoring, hitting a pair of sixes early, but once dropped on 22, he shifted gears and allowed Williamson to take charge.
The New Zealand captain took full advantage, punishing Marcus Stoinis with a pull and a cut for a boundary and a six. Williamson’s calculated aggression kept the scoreboard ticking at a brisk pace.
Middle-Order Acceleration
Just when Smith looked ready to accelerate further, he miscued a cut shot to extra cover, departing soon after reaching his half-century. Williamson followed him back soon after, stumped while charging down the track against a clever Rehan Ahmed googly.
From there, Ollie Pope and Ashton Turner ensured the momentum stayed with Spirit, striking a series of boundaries in the final overs. Their efforts pushed the total to a competitive 162 for 5 in 100 balls.
Related reading: The Hundred 2025 Fixtures & Schedule
Rockets’ Chase Falters After Strong Start
The Rockets began brightly, with openers Tom Banton and Joe Root stitching together 73 runs in just 52 balls. Banton in particular played some stylish strokes, but once Root was dismissed, the innings began to unravel.
In a span of just 14 deliveries, the Rockets lost four wickets. This collapse shifted the momentum entirely towards Spirit, as the required rate climbed beyond control.
Stoinis’ Effort Not Enough
Despite the middle-order failure, Marcus Stoinis attempted to keep Rockets in the hunt with some powerful strokes. However, his lone fight was dented further when Tom Alsop was forced to retire hurt after a rising delivery from Jamie Overton slipped through his helmet grill and struck his face.
Spirit’s bowlers — led by Daniel Worrall (2-32) and Richard Gleeson — tightened the screws in the death overs. Gleeson’s double strike to remove Max Holden and Adam Hose sealed the Rockets’ fate. The visitors eventually closed on 141/6, falling short by 21 runs.
Brief Scorecard
London Spirit – 162/5 in 100 balls (Jamie Smith 52, Kane Williamson 45; Marcus Stoinis 2-27)
Trent Rockets – 141/6 in 100 balls (Tom Banton 46, Marcus Stoinis 35*; Daniel Worrall 2-32)
Key Takeaways
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Jamie Smith’s composed 52 and Kane Williamson’s aggressive 45 set the tone for Spirit’s victory.
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Trent Rockets’ collapse in the middle overs proved costly despite a good start.
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Marcus Stoinis’ all-round brilliance wasn’t enough to avoid Rockets’ first defeat of the season.
For more details on the tournament and team standings, visit the official The Hundred website.
