Finn Allen and Calvin Harrison produced one of the most spectacular relay catches on Monday night at Trent Bridge. Southern Brave were chasing 159 and Jamie Smith was looking set on 26 when he flicked Craig Overton high towards deep square leg. It had six written all over it. Finn Allen got there, took the catch cleanly and realised he was going over the rope so he managed to pop the ball back into play. Harrison was positioned perfectly at deep midwicket and reacted quickly to the relay. He managed to take the ball cleanly before it could land, completing an outstanding team effort. Smith departed for a brisk 26 off 18 deliveries, including three fours and a six.
This dismissal came on the 29th ball of Southern Brave’s chase and gave the Rockets an early breakthrough. It was an outstanding effort by the New Zealander. Soon this video went viral on social media and the fans were in disbelief. It was a game changing moment and one of the best catches of this edition of the Hundred. Despite this effort, Trent Bridge lost the match as Tristan Stubbs took Southern Brave over the line but they are still placed at the top of the points table.
Stoinis, Stubbs Power Southern Brave to Thrilling Chase Against Trent Rockets
Trent Rockets had posted 158-5, largely due to a handy late partnership between Mitchell Santner (35 not out) and Lewis Gregory who finished with 28 not out from 18 deliveries. The pair added 66 runs from just 39 balls for the sixth wicket to give the Rockets a competitive total. It felt like an above par score on a used surface. For a while it looked like it might be enough. Southern Brave began their chase positively, with Smith and Moeen Ali putting on 40 without loss from the first 25 balls. A spectacular catch by Finn Allen brought the first dismissal for Trent.
Southern Brave lost three wickets in quick succession but Marcus Stoinis came in to change the momentum. The Australian smashed his first three balls for six, four and six and suddenly the chase was back in control. He made a rapid 46 off 25 before holing out, but by then the damage was done. Tristan Stubbs finished the job with an unbeaten 52 off 28, sealing the win with three balls to spare. Southern Brave who are already out of contention have made life difficult for the Trent Rockets. A win for Rockets in this game would have booked their place in the final but now they have to rely on other results to know whether they go straight through or end up in the eliminator.
