In a breathtaking climax at Lord's, the Manchester Super Giants secured the 2026 men's Hundred title, edging out the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a match that went down to the very last three balls. The hero of the day was Tim Seifert, who unleashed a blistering 72 runs off just 38 deliveries, anchoring a chase that seemed impossible after the Rockets posted a formidable total of 158. Seifert’s innings was historic; he recorded the fastest half‑century ever seen in a men’s Hundred final.
His explosive start was complemented by a rapid 22‑run cameo from opening partner Paul Walter, who struck at a strike‑rate of 157, and a quick 23 from captain Jos Buttler, who also scored at a strike‑rate above 160. Further down the order, Leus Du Plooy added a crucial 27 not out off 18 balls, ensuring the Giants stayed on course to chase down the Rockets’ imposing score. The Rockets, however, were not without their moments.
Mohammed Amir produced a late spell of two wickets for 29 runs, giving his side a glimmer of hope as the Giants required three runs from the final five deliveries. Yet spinner Liam Dawson, known for his calm under pressure, rose to the occasion. After two dot balls that heightened the tension, Dawson unleashed a towering six with three balls remaining, sealing the victory for Manchester and delivering the franchise its first-ever Hundred crown.
This triumph followed a dramatic eliminator win over SunRisers Leeds earlier in the week, where the Giants also emerged victorious. The Rockets, meanwhile, missed the chance to become the first club to claim both the men’s and women’s Hundred titles after the Trent Rockets women had already defeated SunRisers Leeds women in a separate final. The opening partnership for the Rockets struggled against a bowler‑friendly pitch at Lord's, which has produced an average first‑innings total of just 141 runs throughout the 2026 season.
Openers Duckett (31 off 24) and Allen (15 off 13) managed only 33 runs in the powerplay before the wicket fell. Their innings were abruptly halted when Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad claimed both wickets in quick succession, reducing the Rockets from 48‑0 to 52‑2 within four deliveries. Despite the early setbacks, Trent Rockets showed resilience. Anuerin Donald delivered an aggressive 38 off 19 balls, providing a brief resurgence.
However, a devastating spell that saw three wickets fall in 11 balls – including a comical run‑out that dismissed captain Sam Billings – left the Rockets reeling at 95‑5. Late‑order contributions from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) helped the side post a defendable 158 after using all 100 balls. In the chase, the Giants opened with Seifert and Walter, who had previously smashed 80 runs off 46 balls in the eliminator. Their opening stand of 66 runs was built in just 26 balls, laying a solid foundation.
A dramatic moment occurred when a spectacular one‑handed diving catch by Finn Allen was overturned by the third umpire after Allen’s foot brushed the boundary rope, sparing Seifert from dismissal. Walter, however, fell three balls later, caught on the boundary by Duckett, ending the opening partnership.
Undeterred, Seifert accelerated, reaching his fifty in a mere 24 balls. He combined effectively with both Buttler and Du Plooy, maintaining a brisk scoring rate. The momentum shifted when Amir struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2), leaving the Giants needing just three runs from the final five balls delivered by Ben Sanderson.
The tension was palpable as the first two balls of the final over produced dots, putting immense pressure on tail‑ender Dawson. Showing composure, Dawson struck a six on the very next delivery, clinching the title and capping off a memorable season for the Super Giants.
Captain Jos Buttler reflected on the victory in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports: "It’s a mix of emotions – the excitement and euphoria of winning, a little relief after those last few balls, but overall a fantastic effort from everyone to lift the trophy. I think we deserve it. I enjoyed captaining; it’s a bit more stressful, but leading such a talented group with a varied bowling attack is rewarding.
Breaking key partnerships was crucial, and we’ve seen brilliant performances across the board. The top order has been outstanding, and the wicket‑taking ability has made a huge difference. Off the field, our coaching staff – Tom Moody, Justin Langer and the rest – have been brilliant.
I’m proud of everyone involved." The win also sets the stage for upcoming cricket action, with the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan slated to begin on Wednesday at Headingley, broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream cricket and other top sports without a contract via NOW, ensuring continuous access to high‑quality coverage. Overall, the 2026 men's Hundred final will be remembered as one of the most thrilling conclusions in the tournament’s short history, showcasing the drama, skill, and resilience that define the format. The Manchester Super Giants’ victory not only marks their first title but also adds a new chapter to the evolving narrative of The Hundred, promising even more excitement in the seasons to come.