"I feel we have played some really consistent cricket through the tournament to put us in position to win the title," said Gardner. "Going into the final is pretty pleasing.
"We have a lot of experience. Different people stood up at different times so we are not relying on the same people all the time."
Gardner has stood up more than most and the Australian top-scored with 37 off 25 balls as Rockets recovered from a shocking powerplay in which they were 3-10 after 25 balls. Nat Sciver-Brunt, batting at No.7 to protect her calf, then made 32 off 19 to all-but seal victory.
Brave, who were without their skipper, Sophie Molineux, due to an upset stomach, now go into Friday's eliminator, for which the Australia captain should be fit.
They will face either Sunrisers Leeds, with their triumvirate of Aussies in Annabel Sutherland, Phoebe Litchfield and Jess Jonassen, or Meg Lanning's Manchester Giants. The pair meet at Old Trafford on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) in what is effectively a qualifier for the eliminator.
Brave were sent in to bat by Gardner knowing they needed to win by at least 90 runs to overtake Rockets. With scores in the women's Hundred rarely topping 150 that always seemed unlikely and they never looked like piling up a total of the size required.
Maya Bouchier top-scored with 38, Lizelle Lee made 31 and Charli Knott an unbeaten 15 off ten balls as they tallied 5-117. Kim Garth took 1-25 in her 20 balls and Gardner 0-21 off 15.
Brave thus had to dismiss Rockets for 26 or less, which was implausible even after the terrible start, which owed much to fine bowling from young left-armer Tilly Corteen-Coleman (2-16 off 20), who also dismissed Gardner.
The lack of intensity in the game showed in some mediocre fielding, with even Beth Mooney uncharacteristically missing stumping Bouchier on 15. Gardner both suffered from a dropped catch when bowling and benefited from one when batting.
The end, perhaps, was fitting, Garth edging Knott for four through the vacant slip area.
Should the pair meet in Sunday's final (Monday AEST) the tension will be much higher.
