Match Recap: Rockets' Clinical Performance

Trent Rockets (101-3) demolished Manchester Originals (98-8) with 26 balls remaining in a one-sided Hundred clash. Young sensation Rehan Ahmed stole the show with:

• 2/14 bowling figures including key wickets
• Unbeaten 45* off 35 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes)
• Crucial 40-run partnership with Tom Moores (22*)

Bowling Dominance

Key Performances:

1. David Willey (3-11): Removed Buttler & Ravindra in powerplay
2. Lockie Ferguson's pace (1.65 economy)
3. Spin Duo: Ahmed and Ish Sodhi combined for 3/28

Tactical Breakdown:

• Originals' power hitters restricted to 5 boundaries in first 50 balls
• 76% of Willey's deliveries hitting corridor of uncertainty
• Salt's strike rate plummeted to 82.35 (career average 148+)

Turning Points

1. 4th Ball Duck: Willey traps McKinney LBW
2. Buttler's Demise: Edged behind for 19 (SR 146)
3. Klaasen's Struggle: 16-ball 9 before Ahmed's breakthrough

Chase Masterclass

Despite early losses of Root (4) and Banton (11), Ahmed's mature innings:

• 78% controlled shots
• 92.85% boundary conversion rate
• Sealed victory with 26 balls remaining

Tournament Implications

• Standings Impact: Rockets climb to 2nd (NRR +0.89)
• Originals' Collapse: 6th position with -0.34 NRR
• Playoff Race: Rockets now 3 points behind Oval Invincibles

Technical Analysis

Pitch Report:

• Slow Trent Bridge surface (65% grip deliveries)
• Average first innings score: 112 (2025 season)
• Spinners' economy: 6.8 vs pacers' 8.2

Player Spotlight:

• Rehan Ahmed: Youngest player with 100+ runs & 5+ wickets in 2025 season
• Lewis Gregory: Lone warrior for Originals (33* off 21)

Upcoming Fixtures

• Rockets vs Southern Brave (Aug 24)
• Originals face must-win vs Birmingham Phoenix (Aug 25)

Statistical sources: ESPNcricinfo Smart Stats, CricViz Analysis