Tim Seifert delivered a masterclass innings, hammering an unbeaten 72 runs off just 38 deliveries to guide the Manchester Super Giants to the coveted Hundred championship. The climax unfolded at Lord's, where the Giants edged out the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a nail‑biting finish that was decided on the very last three balls of the match.
Seifert’s knock was historic, as it marked the quickest half‑century ever recorded in a men’s Hundred final. His explosive start was supported by rapid contributions from his opening partner Paul Walter, who added 22 runs from 14 balls, and from the team captain Jos Buttler, who smashed 23 runs off another 14‑ball burst.
A crucial cameo from Leus Du Plooy, who scored an unbeaten 27 off 18 balls, ensured the chase stayed on track as the Giants pursued the Rockets’ imposing total of 158. The Rockets, who had posted a formidable score, saw a brief flicker of hope when Mohammed Amir claimed two late wickets, reducing the Giants to a precarious position that 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, he unleashed a towering six with three balls remaining, sealing the victory and delivering the Super Giants their first-ever Hundred title.
This triumph followed a dramatic eliminator win over SunRisers Leeds, where the Giants had already demonstrated their mettle. The Rockets, meanwhile, were aiming to become the first franchise to secure both the men’s and women’s Hundred trophies, a goal that slipped away after the Trent Rockets women comfortably defeated SunRisers Leeds women earlier in the weekend. In the opening innings, the Rockets’ top order struggled on the low‑scoring Lord’s surface, which has produced an average first‑innings total of just 141 runs during the 2026 edition of the competition.
Openers Duckett (31 off 24) and Allen (15 off 13) managed only 33 runs in the powerplay before the pitch began to bite. Their hopes were dashed when Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad produced a game‑changing spell, taking both wickets in consecutive deliveries and turning the score from 48‑0 to 52‑2.
Despite the early setback, the Rockets rallied thanks to a scintillating 38‑run blitz from Anuerin Donald off 19 balls. However, a devastating burst of three wickets in just 11 balls—including a comical run‑out that saw captain Sam Billings dismissed—left them reeling at 95‑5. Lower‑order contributions from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) helped the side recover enough to post a defendable 158 after completing their 100‑ball quota.
The chase began brightly for Manchester. Seifert and Walter forged a rapid 66‑run opening partnership, reaching their first fifty in a mere 26 balls. Walter, who had impressed in the eliminator with a blistering 80 off 46, was dismissed after just three more deliveries when Duckett caught him on the boundary.
Seifert, unshaken, continued his on‑fire display, reaching a 24‑ball fifty and blending seamlessly with both Buttler and Du Plooy. His innings was eventually halted, but not before setting a platform that made the required run rate manageable.
A brief wobble came when the Rockets claimed two quick wickets—Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2)—both falling to Amir’s disciplined bowling. This set the stage for a tense finish: the Giants needed three runs from the final five balls delivered by Ben Sanderson. Two consecutive dot balls heightened the drama, placing the onus on tail‑ender Dawson. Demonstrating his international experience, Dawson struck a decisive six on the third ball, clinching the title and capping off a memorable 2026 Hundred season.
Post‑match, captain Jos Buttler shared his emotions with Sky Sports: "A mixture of emotions – the excitement and euphoria of winning it, a little bit of 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 little bit more stressful, but leading a great bunch of guys with a varied bowling attack is rewarding. Breaking key partnerships was crucial and that went a long way to winning the game.
We’ve had brilliant performances from everyone. The top order has been outstanding since Aiden Markram left, and the wicket‑taking ability has been superb. Off the field, our coaching staff – Tom Moody, Justin Langer and the whole team – have been brilliant. I’m proud of everyone involved." The victory not only adds a prestigious trophy to the Super Giants’ cabinet but also underscores the growing competitiveness of The Hundred format, where matches can swing dramatically in the final over.
Fans are encouraged to watch upcoming cricket action, including the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan, streaming live on Sky Sports Cricket and NOW. The tournament continues to attract a global audience, showcasing the blend of power‑hitting, strategic bowling, and high‑pressure finishes that define modern limited‑overs cricket.