The Manchester Super Giants secured their place in the men’s final of The Hundred by overcoming SunRisers Leeds in a decisive eliminator at The Kia Oval. Their victory, a margin of 20 runs, set up a showdown with the Trent Rockets at Lord's on Sunday.
From the outset, the Giants built a formidable platform thanks to an explosive opening partnership that rattled the opposition. Opener Paul Walter detonated for 80 runs off just 46 deliveries, while Heinrich Klaasen added a blistering 63 off a mere 26 balls. Together they amassed 114 runs, peppered with 13 sixes, and propelled the Giants to a daunting total of 186 for 4 in their allotted 100 balls.
This aggressive start left SunRisers with a steep hill to climb. Leeds attempted a comeback, with Harry Brook contributing a quick‑fire 49 off 31 and Ryan Rickelton remaining unbeaten on 54 from 34 balls.
Their partnership offered a glimmer of hope, but the Giants’ bowlers, particularly Josh Tongue, applied relentless pressure. Tongue’s spell of 4 wickets for 26 runs dismantled the SunRisers’ top order, ending Leeds’ 2026 Hundred campaign and sealing the Giants’ ticket to the final, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket at 6 p.m. on Sunday. SunRisers’ innings began brightly when Brydon Carse dismissed the in‑form Tim Seifert with the second ball of the match.
Seifert, who had smashed 80 off 40 balls against the same opponents three days earlier, fell early, putting Leeds on the back foot. Jos Buttler, the Giants’ captain, steadied his side with a brisk 33 off 20, forming a useful fifty‑run stand with Walter that helped recover the momentum after the early wicket. Meanwhile, Leeds’ opener Mitch Marsh made an aggressive start, striking boundaries off Gus Atkinson’s first five deliveries.
However, an ill‑timed top‑edge off a delivery from the ever‑dangerous Josh Tongue resulted in Marsh’s dismissal. Tongue continued his dominance by trapping skipper Zak Crawley in front just four balls later, removing another key batsman for a mere six runs. The SunRisers rallied as Brook and Rickelton forged an 81‑run partnership, but Brook’s attempt to reach a rapid fifty was thwarted by a contentious LBW decision against Sonny Baker (2‑39). Replays suggested the ball was outside the line of off‑stump, yet the SunRisers had exhausted their reviews, leaving Brook’s dismissal uncontested.
Leeds’ middle order also struggled, with Dan Lawrence and Matt Revis falling for low scores after being caught brilliantly by Leus du Plooy and Tim Seifert respectively. The combination of Tongue’s incisive seam bowling and Liam Dawson’s spin further restricted the SunRisers, culminating in a comfortable 20‑run victory for the Giants. Post‑match, captain Jos Buttler praised his side’s resilience in an interview with Sky Sports Cricket. He highlighted the crucial contributions of players at pivotal moments, noting Walter’s role as the backbone of the innings and the team’s improved fielding standards compared with the early stages of the tournament.
Buttler also acknowledged the strength of the opposition, describing the Trent Rockets as “the form side throughout the competition” and expressing confidence that the final would be a tightly contested affair. Looking ahead, the Manchester Super Giants will meet the Trent Rockets in the men’s final at Lord’s on Sunday, 16 August.
The women’s final is scheduled for 2:15 p.m., followed by the men’s contest at 6 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream the action via NOW for a contract‑free viewing experience. The triumph in the eliminator not only showcases the Giants’ potent batting firepower and disciplined bowling but also underscores their ability to adapt under pressure.
With a balanced lineup featuring explosive openers, a reliable middle order, and a versatile bowling attack, Manchester enters the final with momentum on their side. The stage is set for a thrilling climax to The Hundred season, where the Giants will aim to convert their dominant performance into the coveted title.