Seifert goes big to take Manchester Super Giants to maiden Hundred triumph

Manchester Super Giants claimed their maiden Hundred title with a five-wicket victory over Trent Rockets at Lord's, chasing down 159 with two balls to spare.

Noor Ahmad Breaks Through: After a steady powerplay from Trent Rockets, Noor Ahmad swung the momentum by taking 3 for 33, removing both openers—Finn Allen and Ben Duckett—in his first four balls before later dismissing Tim David.

Rockets' Late Recovery: Aneurin Donald (38 off 19) counter-attacked, and captain Lewis Gregory (32 off 16) shared a 46-run stand with Mitchell Santner to lift the Rockets to a competitive 158/8. Seifert's Blitz: Tim Seifert spearheaded the chase with an explosive 72 off 38 balls, including seven sixes. He combined with Paul Walter (22 off 14) for a rapid 66-run opening stand in just 31 balls.

Tense Finish: Super Giants faltered late, losing three quick wickets to Mohammad Amir (3/29) with just three runs needed. However, Liam Dawson cleared deep midwicket off Ben Sanderson to seal the win with two balls remaining.

Aneurin Donald, the Rockets' ultra-attacking No. 3, took Noor on, lap-sweeping his first ball for four and then landing a six-four double when Noor stayed on for consecutive overs. He landed two further blows off Sonny Baker, but was then involved in a mix-up which saw Sam Billings run out by Dawson, scrambling to break the stumps at the bowler's end.

Noor struck a third blow when Tim David - whose 90-run season was a major letdown after his £350,000 acquisition - edged a googly to Buttler, and when Donald yorked himself for 38 off 19, looking to charge Dawson, the Rockets had lost 5 for 47 in a frantic 32-ball, mid-innings passage of play.

Gregory Leads Rebuild: Captain Lewis Gregory, playing against his former 2025 team (then the Manchester Originals), led Trent Rockets' recovery alongside Mitchell Santner with a rapid 46-run stand off just 25 balls.

Attacking the Spin: Gregory disrupted Noor Ahmad's figures by striking back-to-back boundaries followed by three leg-side sixes.

Innings Closure: Gregory fell for 32 off 16 balls after dragging Josh Tongue's slower delivery to long-on. Late boundary strikes from Santner and Craig Overton pushed the total past 150.

Target Set: Sonny Baker claimed wickets off the final two deliveries of the innings, restricting the Rockets to 158/8—a competitive score that ultimately proved just short as Manchester Super Giants clinched the title with two balls remaining.