Trent Rockets are relying on a favour from Manchester Super Giants after a six-match winning run was ended by Southern Brave at Trent Bridge to deny them direct progress to Sunday's final. The league leaders must now await the outcome of second-placed Sun Risers Leeds' trip to Manchester Super Giants on Tuesday to discover whether they will have to go through an eliminator. Sun Risers can snatch top spot and a ticket straight to Lord's with a win as their net run rate is superior to the Rockets'.

South African Tristan Stubbs saw Brave home with three balls to spare after hitting 52 not out off 28 balls, but the game changed on Marcus Stoinis' arrival at the crease with the score on 78-3 at halfway chasing 159 for victory. The Australian dispatched his first three balls for six, four and six to signal his intent and his 46 off 25 changed the game.

The Rockets' total of 158-5 was boosted by an unbroken stand of 66 in 39 balls between Mitchell Santner (35no) and Lewis Gregory (28no). Prior to that opener Finn Allen (23 off 12) and Aneurin Donald (19 off nine) had created the early momentum.

Reflecting on Brave's campaign, Stubbs said: "It's been disappointing, but it's a nice way to finish off. In hindsight it's a bit frustrating."