The Manchester Super Giants secured their place in the men’s final of The Hundred by overcoming SunRisers Leeds with a 20‑run margin in the eliminator played at The Kia Oval. The victory set up a showdown with the Trent Rockets at Lord's on Sunday, August 16, and marked a decisive step in Manchester’s campaign for the tournament crown.
From the outset, the Super Giants built a formidable platform thanks to a spectacular 114‑run partnership between opening batsman Paul Walter and South African powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen. Walter, who struck 80 runs from just 46 deliveries, and Klaasen, who smashed an explosive 63 off only 26 balls, combined for a blitz of power hitting that featured thirteen sixes between them.
Their aggressive approach propelled the home side to a daunting total of 186 for 4 in the allotted 100 balls, a score that placed significant pressure on the chasing team. Leeds, however, showed signs of life thanks to a fighting effort from Harry Brook and Ryan Rickelton. Brook contributed a quick‑fire 49 off 31 balls, while Rickelton remained unbeaten on 54 from 34 deliveries, forming an 81‑run partnership that briefly revived SunRisers hopes. Their resurgence was ultimately halted by the disciplined bowling of Josh Tongue, who claimed four wickets for just 26 runs.
Tongue’s spell, which included the crucial dismissal of the Leeds top order, ensured that the SunRisers could not keep pace with the required run‑rate and handed Manchester a comfortable 20‑run victory. The match featured several notable moments that added drama to the contest.
SunRisers opener Brydon Carse struck early, taking the wicket of Tim Seifert with the second ball of the innings. Seifert, who had previously smashed 80 runs off 40 balls against the same opposition just three days earlier, was a major loss for Leeds.
Jos Buttler, the Super Giants captain, steadied his side with a brisk 33 off 20 balls, partnering Walter in a useful fifty‑run stand that helped rebuild the innings after the early wicket. Leeds’ opening batsman Mitch Marsh provided a quick burst of aggression, hitting boundaries off Gus Atkinson’s first five deliveries. However, a mistimed top‑edge against a probing delivery from Tongue led to his dismissal, and captain Zak Crawley fell shortly thereafter when Tongue trapped him in front.
The early setbacks forced Leeds to rely heavily on the middle order. Brook and Rickelton’s partnership gave Leeds a glimmer of a chase, but Brook’s momentum was abruptly ended when he was given out leg‑before‑wicket to Sonny Baker.
Replays suggested the ball was outside the line of off‑stump, but the SunRisers had exhausted their review quota, leaving the decision to stand. This contentious dismissal underscored the fine margins that often decide matches in The Hundred. Manchester’s fielding also played a pivotal role. Dan Lawrence and Matt Revis were dismissed early, but both were taken via spectacular catches – Lawrence by Leus du Plooy and Revis by Tim Seifert – showcasing the Super Giants’ improvement in the catching department, an area they had identified as a weakness earlier in the tournament.
Spinner Liam Dawson added further pressure with economical overs, complementing Tongue’s pace attack. After the match, captain Jos Buttler spoke to Sky Sports Cricket, expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance: "I’m really happy. So many players stepped up at crucial moments. Tim Seifert has been in unbelievable form, so losing him early was disappointing, but Paul Walter has been incredible – he was the backbone of the innings and showed what he can do.
All round with the ball we were great, finding ways to take wickets. Our Achilles heel at the start of the tournament was probably our catching, but we took some great catches.
Trent Rockets are a top side. They’ve got into the final because they’ve been the form side throughout the tournament.
We’re in a good rhythm, but they’ve been able to rest up and prepare well. We’ll find out who wins Sunday night." The win not only secured Manchester a spot in the men’s final but also highlighted their balanced blend of aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and improved fielding. Their journey to the final has been marked by several high‑scoring encounters, and the upcoming clash with Trent Rockets promises to be a showcase of the tournament’s best talent. The final will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with the women's final scheduled for 2:15 pm and the men’s final kicking off at 6:00 pm.
Fans can also stream the action via the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free access to The Hundred and other cricket content.