The Manchester Super Giants secured their place in the men’s final of The Hundred, setting up a showdown with the Trent Rockets after they out‑scored SunRisers Leeds by a margin of 20 runs in the eliminator played at The Kia Oval. The victory was anchored by an explosive opening partnership that saw Paul Walter and Heinrich Klaasen combine for a 114‑run stand, peppered with 13 sixes, and propelled the Giants to a formidable total of 186 for 4 in their allotted 100 balls. Walter’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting; he smashed 80 runs off just 46 deliveries, displaying a blend of power and timing that left the bowlers scrambling.
Klaasen, equally flamboyant, added 63 runs from a blistering 26 balls, further cementing the Giants’ dominance. Their partnership not only set a daunting target but also shifted the momentum firmly in Manchester’s favour. SunRisers Leeds, however, were not without hope.
The middle order contributed valuable runs, most notably Harry Brook, who struck 49 from 31 balls, and Ryan Rickelton, who remained unbeaten on 54 off 34 deliveries. Their efforts kept the chase alive for a while, but the Giants’ bowlers, led by the incisive spell of Josh Tongue, turned the tide.
Tongue’s figures of 4 wickets for 26 runs dismantled Leeds’ top order, effectively ending their 2026 Hundred campaign and confirming Manchester’s ticket to the final at Lord’s, scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. on Sky Sports Cricket. The match began with SunRisers making an early breakthrough when Brydon Carse dismissed Tim Seifert on the second ball of the innings. Seifert, who had exploded for 80 off 40 balls against the same opposition three days earlier, was a significant loss for Leeds.
Jos Buttler, the Giants’ captain, steadied his side with a quick 33 off 20 balls, forming a useful fifty‑run partnership with Walter that helped recover the innings after the early wicket. When the partnership between Walter and Klaasen took over, the scoreboard surged. Their aggressive stroke‑play and relentless boundary hitting set a target of 187 for Leeds to chase.
The SunRisers’ opening batsman Mitch Marsh gave his team a brisk start, striking boundaries off Gus Atkinson’s first five deliveries. However, a mistimed top‑edge off an aggressive delivery from Tongue saw Marsh dismissed, and the skipper Zak Crawley fell shortly after, trapped in front by the same bowler.
Brook and Rickelton then tried to revive the chase, stitching together an 81‑run stand that briefly revived Leeds’ hopes. Brook, in particular, seemed poised for a rapid fifty, but his momentum was halted by a controversial lbw decision against Sonny Baker. Replays suggested the ball was outside the line of off‑stump, but with Leeds out of reviews, the decision stood, leaving Brook stranded.
Leeds continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. Dan Lawrence and Matt Revis fell to spectacular catches by Leus du Plooy and Tim Seifert, respectively. The consistent pressure from Tongue, complemented by spin from Liam Dawson, ensured that the SunRisers could not build any lasting partnerships, and the Giants eventually sealed a comfortable 20‑run victory. After the match, captain Jos Buttler spoke to Sky Sports Cricket, reflecting on his 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 final will be contested at Lord’s on Sunday, August 16, with the women's final slated for 2:15 p.m.
and the men's final at 6 p.m., both broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket. Fans can also stream the action via NOW, which offers contract‑free access to The Hundred and other cricket content. The upcoming clash promises a high‑octane finish to a thrilling season, as the Super Giants aim to cap their campaign with the coveted title against a formidable Rockets side.