In a pulsating finale at Lord's, the Manchester Super Giants secured the 2026 Men's Hundred championship, edging out the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a match that went down to the very last three balls. The star of the innings was Tim Seifert, who blasted an unstoppable 72 runs off just 38 deliveries, anchoring a chase that saw the Giants surpass a challenging target of 158.
Seifert’s knock not only powered his side to victory but also set a new benchmark, as he recorded the fastest half‑century ever in a men's Hundred final. Opening the innings, Seifert partnered with Paul Walter, who contributed a quickfire 22 from 14 balls, laying a solid foundation for the chase. The pair raced to a fifty partnership in only 26 deliveries, putting the Giants in a commanding position early on. Captain Jos Buttler added another brisk 23 off 14, while Leus du Plooy supplied a vital 27 not out from 18 balls, ensuring the required run rate stayed manageable.
As the chase progressed, the pressure mounted on the Rockets, who had posted a respectable total thanks to a series of aggressive strokes. The Rockets’ innings began with openers Duckett (31 off 24) and Finn Allen (15 off 13), both of whom struggled against the low‑scoring conditions at Lord’s, where the first‑innings average this season hovered around 141. After a modest 33 runs in the powerplay, the Rockets appeared to settle, but a decisive spell from Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad turned the tide.
Ahmad claimed both openers in four consecutive balls, reducing Trent to 52 for 2 and shifting momentum firmly in Manchester’s favour. Anuerin Donald responded with a scintillating 38 off 19, momentarily reviving the Rockets’ hopes. However, a devastating burst of three wickets in 11 balls—including a humorous run‑out that saw captain Sam Billings dismissed—left the side reeling at 95 for 5.
Lower‑order contributions from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) helped the Rockets reach a defendable 158 after their allotted 100 balls. In the chase, Seifert’s masterclass continued. After a spectacular one‑handed diving catch by Finn Allen was overturned by the third umpire due to a foot touching the boundary rope, Seifert remained undeterred. He surged to a 24‑ball fifty, combining effectively with Buttler and du Plooy before his own dismissal.
The Giants then lost Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2) in quick succession to Mohammed Amir, who finished with figures of 3 for 29, tightening the contest and leaving Manchester needing just three runs from the final five balls. The climax arrived with England all‑rounder Liam Dawson at the crease. After two dot balls, the tension was palpable.
Dawson, known for his calm under pressure, unleashed a six on the third delivery, sealing the win and clinching the Giants’ first Hundred title. His decisive blow not only secured the trophy but also capped off a thrilling tournament for the 2026 season. Super Giants captain Jos Buttler reflected on the triumph in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports. He described a mixture of excitement, euphoria, and relief, praising the collective effort that lifted the trophy.
Buttler highlighted the importance of breaking key partnerships and lauded the varied bowling attack, as well as the strategic guidance from the coaching staff, including Tom Moody and Justin Langer. The victory also prevented the Rockets from achieving a historic double, as the Trent Rockets women had earlier in the weekend demolished SunRisers Leeds women, positioning themselves to become the first club to win both the men's and women's Hundred titles in the same season. By winning the men's final, the Super Giants ensured that the Rockets’ dream of a double remained unfulfilled.
Overall, the final showcased the high‑octane nature of The Hundred, with rapid scoring, dramatic wickets, and a finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. The tournament’s blend of power hitting and strategic spin bowling was on full display, and the Manchester Super Giants emerged as worthy champions, earning their maiden Hundred crown and setting the stage for an exciting future in the competition.