In a pulsating climax 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 was decided in the final three deliveries. The standout performance came from opener Tim Seifert, who blasted an explosive 72 runs off just 38 balls, steering his side to the title with a combination of power and precision.
Seifert’s innings was historic, as he recorded the quickest half‑century ever in a men’s Hundred final. He was ably supported by his opening partner Paul Walter, who contributed a brisk 22 off 14 balls, and by captain Jos Buttler, who added 23 runs from an equally swift 14‑ball effort. Further stability was provided by Leus Du Plooy, whose unbeaten 27 off 18 balls proved vital in chasing down the Rockets’ imposing total of 158. The Rockets had briefly revived hopes when Mohammed Amir claimed two late wickets, reducing the Giants’ requirement to three runs from the last five balls.
However, it was the composure of England all‑rounder Liam Dawson that sealed the triumph. With the pressure mounting, Dawson struck a towering six on the third ball of the final over, clinching the victory for Manchester. This win marks the Super Giants’ first Hundred title.
They earned their place in the final by defeating SunRisers Leeds in the eliminator on Friday, preventing the Rockets from achieving a historic double – winning both the men’s and women’s competitions – after the Trent Rockets women had already demolished SunRisers Leeds women earlier in the weekend. The Rockets’ innings began with a promising start from openers Jake Duckett (31 off 24) and Finn Allen (15 off 13), but the low‑scoring conditions at Lord’s, which have produced an average first‑innings total of just 141 this season, soon took their toll.
After a solid 33 runs in the powerplay, the pair fell victim to a devastating spell from Super Giants spinner Noor Ahmad, who removed both openers in four consecutive deliveries, taking the score from 48‑0 to 52‑2. Trent’s middle order attempted a recovery, highlighted by a blistering 38 off 19 balls from Anuerin Donald.
Yet a rapid succession of three wickets in 11 balls – including a comical run‑out that saw captain Sam Billings dismissed – left the Rockets reeling at 95‑5. Lower‑order contributions from Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) and Mitch Santner (20 not out off 16) helped push the total to a defendable 158 after the allotted 100 balls. The chase began explosively for the Giants. Seifert and Walter opened the innings with a 66‑run partnership, reaching their first fifty in just 26 balls.
Walter, who had previously smashed 80 off 46 balls in the eliminator, was dismissed shortly after the partnership’s peak, caught on the boundary by Duckett. Seifert, unfazed, continued his on‑fire display, reaching a 24‑ball fifty and combining effectively with Buttler and Du Plooy. His momentum was halted when he fell to a well‑timed delivery from Amir, who also claimed the wickets of Heinrich Klaasen (11 off 9) and Michael Bracewell (0 off 2) in quick succession, leaving the Giants needing three runs from the final over.
Ben Sanderson delivered the first two balls of the over as dot balls, heightening the tension for tail‑ender Dawson. Demonstrating his experience, Dawson struck a decisive six on the third ball, securing the championship for Manchester and concluding the 2026 Hundred season on a high note.
Super Giants captain Jos Buttler reflected on the victory in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports: "It’s a mix of emotions – the excitement and euphoria of winning, a little relief after those last few balls, but a fantastic effort from everyone to lift the trophy. I think we deserved it.
I enjoyed captaining; it’s a bit more stressful, but leading such a talented group with a varied bowling attack is rewarding. Breaking key partnerships was crucial, and we had brilliant performances across the board. The top order has been outstanding, and the wicket‑taking ability has made a huge difference. Off the field, we’re well‑marshalled by an excellent coaching staff – Tom Moody, Justin Langer and the whole team have been brilliant.
I’m proud of everyone involved." The match also featured several technical notes for viewers, with reminders to use the Chrome browser for an optimal video‑player experience. In addition to the final, the Hundred’s schedule includes live coverage of the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan, starting Wednesday at 11 am at Headingley, available on Sky Sports Cricket and streaming via NOW without a contract. Overall, the 2026 Men's Hundred final delivered everything fans could hope for: high‑octane batting, strategic bowling changes, dramatic twists, and a nail‑biting finish that will be remembered as one of the competition’s most thrilling conclusions.