In a nail‑biting finale at Lord's, the Manchester Super Giants secured the 2026 Men's Hundred championship, edging out the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a match that went down to the very last three deliveries. The hero of the day was Tim Seifert, who unleashed a blistering 72 runs from just 38 balls, steering his side to a historic triumph.
Seifert’s innings not only anchored the chase but also set a new benchmark by registering the fastest half‑century ever recorded in a men's Hundred final. The chase began with an explosive opening partnership between Seifert and Paul Walter, who contributed a swift 22 runs off 14 balls. Their aggressive start saw the duo reach fifty runs in a mere 26 balls, laying a solid platform for the run‑chase. Captain Jos Buttler added further momentum with a quickfire 23 off 14, while Leus Du Plooy supplied a crucial cameo of 27 not out from 18 balls, ensuring the Super Giants kept pace with the Rockets’ imposing total of 158.
The Rockets, having posted a competitive 158 in their 100‑ball innings, faced early setbacks when opening batsmen Duckett (31 off 24) and Finn Allen (15 off 13) struggled on a low‑scoring Lord's pitch that has averaged just 141 runs in first innings throughout the 2026 season. Their early partnership yielded only 33 runs from the powerplay, and the momentum shifted dramatically when Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad dismissed both openers in four consecutive deliveries, reducing the Rockets from 48‑0 to 52‑2. Despite the early blow, Trent Rockets fought back through a scintillating 38‑run knock by Anuerin Donald off 19 balls.
However, a devastating spell of three wickets in 11 balls, which included a comical run‑out that saw captain Sam Billings dismissed, left the Rockets reeling at 95‑5. Lower‑order contributions from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) helped the Rockets post a defendable total of 158, but the pressure was mounting.
In the chase, Seifert’s dominance continued. After surviving a close call when a spectacular one‑handed diving catch by Finn Allen was overturned by the third umpire—Allen’s foot had brushed the boundary rope—Seifert remained unfazed. Walter’s stay was short‑lived, as he was caught on the boundary by Duckett three balls later, ending a 66‑run opening stand.
Undeterred, Seifert accelerated, reaching his fifty in just 24 balls, a record for a final. He combined effectively with both Buttler and Du Plooy, further solidifying the chase. The turning point arrived when Amir struck back, taking the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2) in successive balls, leaving the Super Giants needing just three runs from the final five balls bowled by Ben Sanderson. The tension rose as the first two deliveries of the last over were dot balls, placing the onus on tail‑ender Liam Dawson.
With the weight of the title on his shoulders, Dawson rose to the occasion, blasting a six on the third ball to clinch the championship for Manchester. The victory marks the Super Giants’ first Hundred title. They had previously earned their spot in the final by defeating SunRisers Leeds in the eliminator on Friday. The win also denied the Rockets the rare achievement of securing both the men’s and women’s Hundred titles, as the Trent Rockets women had earlier demolished SunRisers Leeds women in the women's final.
Post‑match, Super Giants captain Jos Buttler shared his thoughts with Sky Sports, describing a mix of emotions: "Excitement and euphoria of winning, a little relief after those last few balls, but fantastic effort from everyone to lift the trophy. I think we deserve it. I enjoyed captaining; it’s a bit more stressful, but leading a great bunch of guys with a varied bowling attack was rewarding. Breaking key partnerships was crucial, and we’ve had brilliant performances across the board.
The top order has been outstanding, and the wicket‑taking ability has been vital. We’re also well‑marshalled off the field by an excellent coaching team—Tom Moody, Justin Langer, and everyone have been brilliant. I’m proud of everyone involved." The match also highlighted the importance of strategic bowling changes and field placements. Amir’s late breakthroughs and Dawson’s calm under pressure underscored the depth of the Super Giants’ squad.
Meanwhile, the Rockets’ bowlers, particularly Mohammed Amir (3‑29), gave their side a fighting chance, but the relentless pressure from the Super Giants’ batsmen proved decisive. Beyond the final, the 2026 Hundred season has been notable for its low‑scoring conditions at Lord’s, with teams averaging just 141 runs in the first innings. This has placed a premium on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, trends that were evident throughout the tournament and culminated in this thrilling climax.
Fans can relive the drama through highlights and full match replays, with streaming available on platforms such as NOW and Sky Sports. The tournament also continues to draw attention to the growing popularity of the Hundred format, showcasing a blend of fast‑paced cricket, strategic innovations, and rising stars. Looking ahead, the Super Giants will aim to build on this success, while the Rockets will regroup and seek redemption in the upcoming season. The 2026 Hundred has set a high bar for excitement and competition, promising even more thrilling cricket in the years to come.