[WATCH] Direct-hit magic: Ashleigh Gardner sends Marie Kelly packing | The Hundred Women 2025
![[WATCH] Direct-hit magic: Ashleigh Gardner sends Marie Kelly packing | The Hundred Women 2025](https://crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WATCH-Direct-hit-magic-Ashleigh-Gardner-sends-Marie-Kelly-packing-The-Hundred-Women-2025.webp "[WATCH] Direct-hit magic: Ashleigh Gardner sends Marie Kelly packing | The Hundred Women 2025")
The Hundred Women’s Competition 2025 produced another edge-of-the-seat clash as Trent Rockets edged past Birmingham Phoenix by three wickets, thanks to a moment of fielding brilliance from Ashleigh Gardner that turned the match on its head at Trent Bridge.
Ashleigh Gardner’s direct-hit to dismiss Marie Kelly
With Phoenix looking set for a late surge, the breakthrough came on the 84th ball of their innings. Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner, already renowned for her power hitting and sharp cricketing brain, showcased her world-class fielding. Off her own bowling, she swooped onto the ball and fired a flat, laser-like throw to catch Marie Kelly short of her ground. The direct hit lifted the Rockets’ energy and stalled Phoenix’s momentum at a crucial stage.
Kelly (14 off 15) was shaping up as a key middle-order batter for Phoenix, looking to accelerate after steadying the innings. Her dismissal disrupted their rhythm and left the lower order exposed. Though Emma Lamb held firm with a resilient 56 not out to guide Phoenix to 123/6, Kelly’s run-out left a noticeable gap in their total.
Here’s the video:
Oh, Ash Gardner 😱
That’s a direct hit! #TheHundred pic.twitter.com/oFCgG1QACP
— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 27, 2025
Also WATCH: Linsey Smith’s brilliant reflexes sends Amelia Kerr packing in The Hundred Women 2025
Nat Sciver-Brunt anchors Rockets’ chase
Chasing 124, Rockets relied on the calm head of skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt. With wickets tumbling around her, Sciver-Brunt compiled a measured 52, rotating the strike smartly while finding boundaries when needed. Her composure steered the chase, and though the Rockets stumbled late, they scraped through to 126/7, sealing victory with just three balls remaining.
Earlier, young spinner Emily Gordon impressed for Rockets, taking 2/24 to apply pressure in the middle overs. For Phoenix, Emma Lamb’s lone hand stood out, her unbeaten knock provided resilience amid collapsing partnerships.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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