Joe Root Leads Trent Rockets Into Hundred Knockouts Amid Multiple Team Eliminations

Joe Root's unbeaten 64 runs powered Trent Rockets to a narrow three-wicket victory over Welsh Fire, securing their place in the knockout stages of The Hundred 2025. Root's composed innings, including a critical six off a no-ball and a composed finish under pressure, helped the Rockets chase down a target of 151 with one ball to spare despite a late collapse where they lost five wickets for 20 runs. Welsh Fire had posted 150-6, thanks to a strong 97-run partnership between Steve Eskinazi and captain Tom Abell, but their momentum faltered in the closing overs. The Rockets' win confirmed the top three teams advancing to the playoffs—Trent Rockets, Oval Invincibles, and Northern Superchargers—while Welsh Fire and several other teams were eliminated from contention. The tense finish saw Root maintain his composure amid a flurry of wickets and a tight final over bowled by Chris Green and David Payne. This victory keeps Trent Rockets' hopes alive for a top spot in the group stage heading into their final match.