The Hundred Women 2025 has been full of thrilling moments, and the clash between Trent Rockets and Welsh Fire produced another twist. Ashleigh Gardner, one of Rockets’ most explosive hitters, looked in fine touch with her clean ball striking. She had already smashed three sixes and was steering the Rockets towards a strong finish. With only 13 deliveries left in the innings, the stage seemed set for her to launch an onslaught. However, the Fire skipper Hayley Matthews had other plans. The dismissal that followed was as surprising as it was decisive, halting Rockets’ momentum in dramatic fashion.

Ashleigh Gardner falls in an extraordinary fashion to Hayley Matthews’ short ball

Matthews, known for her crafty variations, pulled out an unusual weapon from her arsenal, a surprise bouncer. Delivering from a spinner, it caught both Gardner and the crowd off guard. The ball was angled across on a middle-and-off line, climbing more than Gardner had anticipated. In that split second, Gardner’s instincts took over as she attempted a reflexive swipe, rather than a calculated shot. The extra bounce meant she could not control the contact, and instead of middling it, her bat only brushed the ball faintly. The feather-light nick was sharp but clear enough for wicketkeeper Sarah Bryce to react instantly.

Showing excellent awareness, Bryce moved swiftly and completed a safe take behind the stumps. Gardner, stunned by what had just transpired, stood in disbelief before beginning the long walk back. Her dismissal was crucial because she was Rockets’ power-hitter, capable of adding 20-25 runs in no time at the death. The rare sight of a spinner producing a bouncer added to the drama of the moment, as it highlighted Matthews’ tactical boldness. Gardner’s frustration was visible, knowing she had thrown away a golden chance to finish big. This wicket not only curtailed Rockets’ charge but also shifted the momentum towards the Fire in the closing overs. It was a moment that showcased both Matthews’ cricketing intelligence and Bryce’s sharp glovework.

Here’s the video:

Have you ever seen this before?! 👀

Hayley Matthews gets a wicket with a bouncer…

As a spinner! 🕸️#TheHundred | #RoadToTheEliminator pic.twitter.com/6hNlwu5esK

— The Hundred (@thehundred) August 24, 2025

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Trent Rockets vs Welsh Fire – The Hundred 2025 clash at Cardiff

The match 27 of the Women’s Hundred 2025 at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, has lived up to its billing so far with both the Rockets and the Fire showcasing strong spells of cricket. Batting first, Rockets posted a competitive 145/6 from their 100 balls. Bryony Smith gave them a brisk start with 38 off 27 balls, while Nat Sciver-Brunt matched her with an equally fluent 38 off 26, anchoring the middle overs. Captain Gardner looked dangerous with three sixes in her 36, but her dismissal to a surprise bouncer from Matthews at a crucial moment halted Rockets’ late charge. The Fire’s bowlers shared the load well, with Freya Davies claiming three wickets and veteran Shabnim Ismail striking early to keep the innings in check.

In response, the Fire’s chase has begun brightly. Despite losing skipper Tammy Beaumont for just 5, Sophia Dunkley has played with freedom, racing to 23 off 19 balls with crisp boundaries. Matthews, fresh from her bowling success, has looked composed at the crease, adding quick runs at a strike rate above 130. Fire reached 49/1 after 30 balls, with the required rate comfortably in control at 1.38 runs per ball. Rockets, though, will look to their spin options and death bowling to claw back momentum in the middle overs. With Dunkley and Matthews settled, the chase is finely poised and promises an exciting finish.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.