Manchester Super Giants secured their maiden Hundred title, overcoming a late collapse to defeat Trent Rockets by five wickets in a tense final at Lord's. The victory denied the Rockets a chance to become the first franchise to win both the men's and women's competitions in the same edition of The Hundred.
Chasing 159, the Super Giants appeared comfortable with three runs needed from the final nine balls. However, a period of dramatic pressure saw Mohammad Amir dismiss Heinrich Klaasen and Michael Bracewell, while Ben Sanderson bowled two dot balls, reducing the equation to three off three. Liam Dawson ultimately held his nerve, hitting a six over mid-wicket to seal the championship with two balls to spare.
The foundation for the Super Giants' chase was laid by New Zealand's Tim Seifert, who smashed 72 runs off just 38 deliveries. His innings featured seven sixes and four fours in a powerful display.
Early Momentum and a Missed Opportunity
The Super Giants had established a strong opening partnership, with Seifert and Paul Walter adding 66 runs off 31 balls. Jos Buttler also contributed a brief, impactful cameo, hitting three sixes in his 14-ball 23.
Trent Rockets had an opportunity to remove Seifert on 33, but Finn Allen's remarkable boundary catch was controversially disallowed. Allen's foot had touched the boundary rope before he leaped to complete the catch, preventing what would have been a highlight-reel dismissal.
Rockets' Innings and Super Giants' Control
Earlier, Trent Rockets had posted 158-8 after being put in to bat. Ben Duckett provided a solid start with 31, but the Rockets faltered in quick succession. Captain Sam Billings was run out for seven, and Tim David departed without scoring off the bowling of Noor Ahmad, shifting the momentum in favor of the Super Giants.
Aneurin Donald provided a late surge for the Rockets, scoring 38 off 19 balls, with quick contributions from Mitch Santner (20) and Lewis Gregory (32) helping to set a competitive total.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Manchester-based franchise, which was rebranded as the Super Giants from the Originals this season. They had previously lost two men's finals, including to the Rockets in 2022.