Tim Seifert delivered a masterclass innings, smashing 72 runs from just 38 deliveries to guide the Manchester Super Giants to their inaugural Hundred championship. The final at Lord's was a nail‑biting affair, with the Giants edging out the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a contest that was decided in the last three balls.
Seifert’s knock was historic – it marked the quickest half‑century ever recorded in a men’s Hundred final. His explosive start was supported by quickfire contributions from opening partner Paul Walter, who added 22 runs off 14 balls, and captain Jos Buttler, who struck 23 runs from an equally brisk 14‑ball cameo.
Further stability came from Leus Du Plooy, whose unbeaten 27 off 18 balls proved crucial in chasing the Rockets’ imposing total of 158. The Rockets, despite a promising start from their openers – Duckett (31 off 24) and Finn Allen (15 off 13) – were hampered by the low‑scoring conditions at Lord’s, where the average first‑innings score in the 2026 edition has hovered around just 141 runs.
After a modest 33 runs from the powerplay, the Rockets appeared to settle, but a decisive spell from Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad (3‑33) ripped through the top order, removing both openers in four balls and reducing the score from 48‑0 to 52‑2. Trent’s middle order tried to recover, with Anuerin Donald playing an impressive 38 off 19 before a devastating burst of three wickets in 11 balls – including a comical run‑out that saw captain Sam Billings dismissed – left them reeling at 95‑5. Lower‑order hits from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) pushed the total to a defendable 158 after the full 100 balls were used.
The chase began brightly for Manchester. Seifert and Walter opened the innings with a rapid 66‑run partnership, reaching their first fifty in just 26 deliveries – a partnership that set the tone for the run‑chase. Walter, who had earlier blasted 80 off 46 in the eliminator, was dismissed on the boundary after just three balls into his partnership, but Seifert pressed on, reaching his own 24‑ball fifty and rotating the strike efficiently with Buttler and Du Plooy.
Mid‑innings, the Rockets fought back, picking up wickets of Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2) in consecutive deliveries thanks to Mohammed Amir’s disciplined spell (3‑29). The Giants found themselves needing three runs from the final five balls, with the pressure mounting as two dot balls were bowled.
Tail‑ender Liam Dawson, however, remained composed. On the third delivery of the final over, he struck a six, sealing the victory and delivering the championship to the Super Giants. Captain Jos Buttler reflected on the triumph in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports, saying, "A mix of emotions – the excitement and euphoria of winning, a little 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 bit more stressful, but leading such a talented group with a varied bowling attack was a privilege. Breaking key partnerships was vital, and the performances from the top order, especially since Aiden Markram left, have been outstanding.
Our coaching staff – Tom Moody, Justin Langer and the whole team – have been brilliant. I'm proud of everyone involved." The win marks Manchester Super Giants' first Hundred title, following their earlier eliminator success over SunRisers Leeds. It also denied the Rockets the rare achievement of holding both the men's and women's Hundred crowns, as the Trent Rockets women had earlier crushed SunRisers Leeds women. Beyond the final, the 2026 Hundred season has been notable for its low‑scoring pitches at Lord’s, with teams averaging just 141 runs in the first innings across the tournament.
This has placed a premium on aggressive batting and disciplined bowling, as evidenced by the numerous quick‑fire centuries and tight spell figures throughout the competition. Looking ahead, cricket fans can tune into Sky Sports for the upcoming three‑Test series between England and Pakistan, starting Wednesday with the first ball at Headingley at 11 am.
For those who prefer streaming, NOW offers contract‑free access to live cricket and other top‑sport events. Overall, the Super Giants' dramatic finish, highlighted by Seifert’s blistering 72, Buttler’s leadership, and Dawson’s clutch six, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling conclusions in Hundred history, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability that the format brings to modern cricket.