The Manchester Super Giants earned a coveted place in the championship showdown with the Trent Rockets after dispatching SunRisers Leeds by a margin of 20 runs in the men’s eliminator at The Kia Oval. The victory was built on a spectacular 114‑run partnership that featured an on‑fire display of power hitting, with opener Paul Walter smashing 80 runs off just 46 balls and Heinrich Klaasen adding a blistering 63 off only 26 deliveries.
Together they struck 13 sixes, propelling the Giants to a formidable total of 186 for 4 in their allotted 100 balls. SunRisers Leeds attempted to chase the target, receiving a brief lift from Harry Brook’s quick‑fire 49 off 31 balls and Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 54 off 34.
However, the Giants’ bowlers, led by the incisive spell of Josh Tongue who claimed four wickets for just 26 runs, dismantled the opposition’s top order. Tongue’s disciplined line and length, combined with the support of spinner Liam Dawson, ensured Leeds’ 2026 Hundred campaign ended abruptly, securing Manchester’s ticket to the final at Lord’s, scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m.
on Sky Sports Cricket. The match opened dramatically when Brydon Carse removed the dangerous Tim Seifert with the second ball of the innings. Seifert, who had exploded for 80 off 40 balls against the same side three days earlier, was a major early blow to Leeds.
Jos Buttler steadied the innings with a brisk 33 off 20, forging a useful fifty‑run partnership with Walter that helped the Giants recover from the early wicket and set the platform for the record partnership that followed. Leeds’ opening batsman Mitch Marsh gave his side a quick start, hammering boundaries off Gus Atkinson’s first five deliveries. His momentum was halted when Tongue induced a top‑edge, and the dismissal of captain Zak Crawley for just six runs followed shortly after, as Tongue trapped him in front. The loss of both openers forced Leeds to regroup, and they found some rhythm when Brook and Rickelton combined for an 81‑run stand.
Brook’s ambition to reach a rapid fifty was cut short by a contentious LBW decision against Sonny Baker (2‑39). Replays suggested the ball was outside the line of off‑stump, but with Leeds out of reviews, the decision stood, leaving Brook stranded. The Giants’ fielding also played a decisive role. Early catches by Leus du Plooy and Tim Seifert dismissed Dan Lawrence for two and Matt Revis for four, respectively, turning the tide in Manchester’s favour.
The combined efforts of Tongue’s seam attack and Dawson’s spin secured a comfortable 20‑run victory, moving the Super Giants one step closer to the coveted Hundred title. In post‑match comments to Sky Sports Cricket, Manchester captain Jos Buttler reflected on the 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 upcoming final at Lord’s will pit the Manchester Super Giants against the Trent Rockets on Sunday, August 16. The women's final is slated for 2:15 p.m., followed by the men’s final 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 stage is set for an electrifying climax to the 2026 Hundred season, with both teams eager to claim the championship trophy.
For those looking to relive key moments, highlights and full‑length videos of the eliminator and other Hundred fixtures are available on the official platforms. Additionally, the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast provides in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights into the tournament’s most thrilling performances.