The Manchester Super Giants have claimed their maiden men’s Hundred title, defeating the Trent Rockets by five wickets in a gripping final at Lord’s. A blistering 72-run knock from Tim Seifert paved the way for victory, securing the franchise’s first trophy after two previous runners-up finishes.
In a match defined by late-order drama, the Super Giants survived a nervous stumble to chase down a target of 159 with just two balls to spare. While Trent Rockets’ women earlier celebrated a tournament victory, the men’s side fell just short of a historic franchise double.
Match Summary: Seifert’s Fireworks Secure the Trophy
After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Manchester Super Giants captain Jos Buttler saw his bowling unit restrict the Trent Rockets to 158-8. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad was the standout performer, dismantling the Rockets’ top order with figures of 3-33.
The chase began with aggression as New Zealand’s Tim Seifert took control from the outset. Seifert produced a masterclass in power hitting, smashing 72 off just 38 balls including seven sixes and four fours to register the fastest fifty in men’s Hundred final history.
The Last-Gasp Thriller
Despite Seifert’s dominance, the match took a dramatic turn when Mohammad Amir (3-29) sparked a late collapse. With 23 runs required from 22 balls, the Super Giants lost Heinrich Klaasen and Michael Bracewell, leaving the game on a knife-edge.
Requiring three runs off the final three balls, veteran all-rounder Liam Dawson held his nerve, launching Ben Sanderson over the mid wicket boundary to seal a historic victory.
Key Moments & Top Performers
The final at Lord’s was a contest of momentum swings. Below are the players who defined the outcome:
| Player | Team | Impact |
| Tim Seifert | Manchester Super Giants | 72 (38) – The decisive match-winning knock |
| Noor Ahmad | Manchester Super Giants | 3-33 – Crucial middle-overs breakthroughs |
| Aneurin Donald | Trent Rockets | 38 (19) – Top-scorer for the Rockets |
| Mohammad Amir | Trent Rockets | 3-29 – Nearly forced a miracle comeback |
| Liam Dawson | Manchester Super Giants | 6* (off final ball) – The finishing touch |
“It was a little bit more stressful than it needed to be,” said a relieved Jos Buttler during the post-match trophy presentation. “But credit to the boys for holding their nerve at the death”.
Tournament Context: A Season of Reboots
The 2026 season of The Hundred was marked by significant branding changes, with the Manchester side transitioning from “Originals” to the Super Giants. This title win validates the franchise’s tactical shift and investment in high-impact overseas talent like Seifert and Ahmad.
For the Trent Rockets, the defeat marks a bittersweet end to their campaign. While they missed the men’s title, their women’s team’s dominant victory over Sunrisers Leeds earlier in the day ensures the franchise remains a powerhouse in English domestic cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Maiden Title: Manchester Super Giants secured their first-ever men’s Hundred trophy after two previous final heartbreaks.
- Record Knock: Tim Seifert’s 23-ball fifty stands as the fastest in the history of men’s Hundred finals.
- Bowling Heroics: Noor Ahmad’s 3-33 was the turning point in restricting a dangerous Trent Rockets batting lineup.
- Last-Ball Drama: The game came down to the final over, with Liam Dawson hitting a six to avoid a potential Super Giants collapse.
- Franchise Double Denied: Trent Rockets fell short of becoming the first team to win both men’s and women’s titles in the same season.
FAQs
Who won The Hundred 2026 men’s final?
The Manchester Super Giants won the 2026 men’s Hundred final, defeating the Trent Rockets by five wickets at Lord’s.
What was Tim Seifert’s score in the final?
Tim Seifert scored a match-winning 72 off 38 balls, including seven sixes and four fours.
Why did the Manchester Originals change their name?
The team rebranded as the Manchester Super Giants as part of the wider “IPL-ification” and structural reboots seen across The Hundred tournament in 2026.
Who took the most wickets for the Super Giants in the final?
Noor Ahmad was the standout bowler for the Super Giants, taking 3-33 in his spell.
Did Trent Rockets win any titles this year?
Yes, the Trent Rockets women’s team won their respective Hundred title earlier on the same day by defeating Sunrisers Leeds.
Stay tuned to Cricmatch for more analysis on the 2026 Hundred season and expert insights into upcoming domestic leagues.
