The 2026 season of The Hundred has entered its decisive phase, with the knockout positions now firmly established for both the men's and women's brackets. Fans are eager to know which sides have secured those coveted spots and who will be battling it out in the upcoming eliminator matches.
In both competitions, the team that finished at the top of the table after completing the eight round‑robin games earned an automatic berth in the final, which will be staged at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday, 16 August. This direct qualification rewards consistency across the group stage and guarantees a place in the championship decider without the need for an extra knockout game.
The teams that ended the league phase in second and third place will clash in the eliminators, which are scheduled to take place at The Kia Oval on Friday, 14 August. The winners of these two eliminator fixtures – one from the men’s draw and one from the women’s – will join the league leaders at Lord's for the ultimate showdown. Both eliminators also have a reserve day allocated for Saturday, 15 August, should weather intervene.
Here’s a detailed rundown of how the standings unfolded and which clubs earned the right to compete for the title. **Men’s Competition** With just two matches remaining in the group stage, the Trent Rockets clinched the top spot, confirming their place in the final.
Their consistent performances, highlighted by a blend of explosive batting and disciplined bowling, saw them accumulate enough points to stay ahead of the chase. The Manchester Super Giants secured their eliminator berth after a commanding victory over SunRisers Leeds on Tuesday.
The win was significant not only for the margin but also for its impact on the table. By chasing down a modest target of 128 runs with 33 balls to spare, the Super Giants matched SunRisers on 20 points but edged ahead on net run‑rate, the tie‑breaker used in The Hundred. Net run‑rate is calculated by taking the average runs a team scores per 100 balls and subtracting the average runs they concede per 100 balls, similar to goal difference in football.
SunRisers Leeds, despite the loss, remained in contention for a knockout spot. A victory in that match would have propelled them above the Rockets into first place and guaranteed a final appearance. Instead, the heavy defeat left them vulnerable to slipping to third, which they ultimately did, securing a place in the eliminator rather than the final.
The defending champions, MI London, who have won the tournament three years in a row, found themselves in fourth place heading into the final round of group matches. To overtake SunRisers Leeds and claim the third‑place eliminator slot, they needed a win by at least 59 runs against Birmingham Phoenix. In a tightly contested game, MI London managed only a two‑run victory, which was insufficient to close the gap, leaving them just outside the knockout positions.
**Women’s Competition** The women’s table mirrored the men’s in many ways, with the Trent Rockets also topping the standings, this time amassing 28 points from their eight fixtures. Their ascent to the summit was sealed with a three‑wicket win over the Southern Brave, who were sitting in second place at the time.
This result not only cemented the Rockets’ final‑day berth but also consigned the Brave to the eliminator. Southern Brave will therefore travel to the Kia Oval for the women’s eliminator, where they will meet SunRisers Leeds. Leeds earned their spot by delivering a dominant 41‑run victory over the Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford on Tuesday.
That win not only lifted Leeds into second place but also eliminated the Super Giants from the competition entirely. **Eliminator Schedule** - **Friday, 14 August – Kia Oval** - Women’s Eliminator: Southern Brave vs SunRisers Leeds – 2:15 pm (Reserve Day: Saturday, 15 August) - Men’s Eliminator: Manchester Super Giants vs SunRisers Leeds – 6:00 pm (Reserve Day: Saturday, 15 August) - **Sunday, 16 August – Lord’s** - Women’s Final: Trent Rockets vs TBC – 2:15 pm (Reserve Day: Monday, 17 August) - Men’s Final: Trent Rockets vs TBC – 6:00 pm (Reserve Day: Monday, 17 August) The phrase “TBC” (to be confirmed) indicates that the opponents for the Rockets in the finals will be decided after the eliminator matches are completed.
**Additional Context** The Hundred’s format, with its fast‑paced 100‑ball innings, places a premium on aggressive batting and innovative bowling strategies. Net run‑rate often becomes a crucial factor, especially when teams finish on equal points, making every run scored and every ball saved vital. This season has seen several dramatic swings in the standings, underscoring the competition’s unpredictability.
For viewers, the knockout phase promises high‑stakes cricket. The eliminators are essentially do‑or‑die matches; a single misstep can end a team’s campaign, while a stellar performance can catapult a side into the championship final.
The atmosphere at the Oval is expected to be electric, with fans from both clubs gathering to support their teams. **How to Watch** Fans can stream all matches, including the eliminators and the finals, via the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free access to live cricket and a suite of on‑demand highlights. Sky Sports also provides extensive coverage, including live commentary, post‑match analysis, and exclusive interviews. For those who prefer mobile updates, Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel delivers real‑time news, video clips, and expert insights directly to subscribers.
**Final Thoughts** As the tournament reaches its climax, the stakes could not be higher. The Trent Rockets, having secured their place in both finals, will look to convert their dominant group‑stage form into championship victories. Meanwhile, the teams battling in the eliminators—Manchester Super Giants, SunRisers Leeds, Southern Brave, and the women’s SunRisers—will aim to seize the momentum and upset the odds.
The upcoming matches will not only determine the finalists but also shape the narrative of the 2026 Hundred season, adding another chapter to the competition’s rapidly growing legacy. Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or a casual viewer, the excitement is set to peak as The Hundred heads toward its grand finale at Lord’s.