As the 2026 edition of The Hundred reaches its climax, the spotlight turns to Lord's where the Trent Rockets are poised to chase a historic double and Sam Billings looks set to secure a fourth consecutive title. The weekend promises a showcase of both men's and women's cricket, with the Rockets having already secured a place in the finals after dominating the group stages across both genders. Their combined record of 13 victories out of 16 matches not only guaranteed a spot in the championship matches but also earned them the newly introduced Hundred Helix trophy, awarded to the franchise that performed best across the men's and women's competitions. The final day at the Home of Cricket will feature two back‑to‑back showdowns.
The women's final kicks off at 2:15 p.m. when the Rockets take on the defending champions SunRisers Leeds, a side that claimed the title a year earlier under the banner of the Northern Superchargers.
The men's final follows at 6 p.m., pitting the Rockets against the Manchester Super Giants. Both matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix, providing cricket fans across the UK with comprehensive coverage. For the Rockets women, this will be a maiden appearance in a Hundred final.
After four previous group‑stage exits and a loss in the eliminator in the first five editions of the tournament, they finally broke through to the championship match. The squad will be eager to rewrite their history and capture the coveted trophy that has eluded them since the competition's inception. The men’s side, meanwhile, come into the final with a richer pedigree.
Trent Rockets were crowned champions in 2022, and since then Sam Billings has become synonymous with The Hundred. After leading the Oval Invincibles to three straight titles, Billings transferred to the Rockets in a high‑profile move that saw him become the first player to chase four consecutive Hundred crowns with a different franchise. His acquisition has already paid dividends, as the Rockets have enjoyed a six‑match winning streak in the group stage, culminating in a decisive six‑wicket victory over the Super Giants in Manchester.
Billings, now the Rockets captain, summed up the mood in a recent interview: "It’s an honour to be here again, and the chance to lift the trophy with a new team makes it even sweeter. Playing at Lord’s has been a dream since I was a kid, and now that dream is within reach. We’ve got a blend of experience and energy that has carried us through the tournament, and we’re not taking any opportunity for granted." Across the pitch, the Rockets will face a formidable opponent in Jos Buttler, who has taken over the captaincy of the Manchester Super Giants after Aiden Markram’s departure for personal reasons.
Buttler has been in scintillating form, amassing 311 runs in the tournament, including four half‑centuries, and delivering a blistering 33 off 20 balls in the eliminator against SunRisers. His aggressive batting and tactical acumen make him one of the most dangerous leaders in the competition. Billings praised his rivals, stating: "Buttler is arguably the best white‑ball player England has ever produced, and his record in T20 cricket is unmatched. The Super Giants have a deep roster with plenty of variety, but we’ve shown the consistency to top the league, and that confidence will be key on Sunday." On the women’s side, SunRisers will be led by Dani Gibson, one of only three English captains in the women’s tournament, alongside Charlie Dean of London Spirit and Hollie Armitage of MI London.
Gibson will have to contend with the Rockets’ Australian skipper Ash Gardner, who brings a wealth of international experience, including a recent appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup final where England fell to an Australian side featuring Gardner. Gardner, flanked by fellow World Cup winners Kim Garth and Beth Mooney, highlighted the significance of the occasion: "Lord’s holds a special place in my heart, and returning to the same dressing room after a World Cup victory adds an extra layer of motivation. Having a few Australians in the squad helps us manage the pressure of big moments, and we’ll draw on those memories as we face SunRisers on Sunday." Gibson, aware of the talent in the Rockets camp—including England captain Nat Sciver‑Brunt—emphasised preparation and adaptability: "Every side has star players, but it’s about how we execute our game plan, adapt to the conditions, and communicate on the field. We’re focused on playing our cricket and enjoying the experience." Both finals promise high stakes and the potential for legendary performances.
If Billings succeeds, he will become the first player to claim four consecutive Hundred titles, a feat that would cement his legacy as one of the tournament’s all‑time greats. Conversely, Buttler will be looking to add another accolade to his already impressive résumé, potentially leading the Super Giants to their first Hundred triumph.
The women’s final will showcase a clash of styles: the Rockets’ disciplined, power‑hitting approach versus SunRisers’ tactical acumen and experience from their previous championship run. With the likes of Sciver‑Brunt anchoring the Rockets and Gibson steering SunRisers, the match is set to be a tightly contested affair that could be decided by a single over or a moment of brilliance.
Fans can tune in to Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix from 2 p.m. on Sunday to watch the women's final, followed by the men's final at 6 p.m. For those without a Sky subscription, the matches will also be available to stream contract‑free via the NOW platform.
The excitement at Lord’s is palpable, and as the final whistle approaches, both the Rockets and their opponents will be keen to etch their names into Hundred history. In summary, Sunday’s fixtures represent the culmination of a season filled with record‑breaking performances, strategic masterstrokes, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s Billings aiming for a historic fourth title, Buttler seeking to cement his status as a T20 legend, or Gibson and Gardner battling for women's supremacy, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to The Hundred’s 2026 campaign.