The Hundred: A Tale of Two Finals at Lord's
The stage is set for an epic showdown at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground on Sunday, as the 2026 edition of The Hundred reaches its climax. The Trent Rockets, a force to be reckoned with, are aiming for a double triumph, with their men's and women's teams both in the running for glory.
The men's final pits the Rockets against the Manchester Super Giants, led by the formidable Jos Buttler. The women's final sees the Rockets take on the defending champions, SunRisers Leeds, with the talented Dani Gibson at the helm. This promises to be a thrilling doubleheader, with the potential for a historic first for the Rockets women and a chance for the men to reclaim the title they last won in 2022.
The Rockets' Rise
The Trent Rockets have been a dominant force in The Hundred, with their men's team topping the group stage and securing the Hundred Helix trophy, a prestigious award recognizing the best franchise across both genders. The women's team, however, has faced a different path, with four group-stage exits and a defeat in the eliminator across the first five editions. This year, they are determined to make history.
Billings' Brilliance
At the heart of the Rockets' success is Sam Billings, the skipper who led the Oval Invincibles to three successive titles. His acquisition by the Rockets was a strategic move, and he is now on the cusp of a fourth consecutive final. Billings' pride in his achievements is evident, and he relishes the opportunity to play at the prestigious Lord's Cricket Ground.
"It's impressive, something I'm very proud of," Billings said. "To have the chance to win another one, even with a different team, is a privilege. I never take for granted the opportunity to play at the Home of Cricket. As a young kid, you dream of moments like this, and as you get older, you appreciate them more."
Buttler's Dominance
On the other side of the pitch, Jos Buttler, the captain of the Manchester Super Giants, has been in exceptional form. With 311 runs, including four half-centuries, and a match-winning 33 off 20 balls in the eliminator, Buttler has stepped up to the plate. He faces a familiar foe in Billings, with the Rockets having beaten the Super Giants in Manchester during the group stage.
"They're a very good team," Billings acknowledged. "Jos [Buttler] is arguably the best white-ball player ever for England and the leading run-scorer in T20 cricket. They have variety, but it's all about us. We topped the group and beat them in Manchester, which gives us confidence."
Gibson's SunRisers Challenge
In the women's final, the SunRisers Leeds, led by Dani Gibson, will aim to deny the Rockets their first title. Gibson, a member of the England team that lost to Australia in the Women's T20 World Cup final at Lord's in July, will face off against the Rockets' Australian captain, Ash Gardner. The SunRisers also boast Phoebe Litchfield and Annabel Sutherland, the leading run-scorers in the women's Hundred this term.
Gardner's Confidence
Gardner, a key player for the Rockets, is confident in her team's ability to overcome the SunRisers. She reflects on the positive memories of playing at Lord's and the experience of the Australian squad, which includes fellow 2026 World Cup winners Kim Garth and Beth Mooney.
"There are some fantastic memories here at Lord's," Gardner said. "It's nice to be back in the dressing room, and having a few Aussies helps because we know what big occasions require. Sunday is a new challenge, but we have plenty of positive memories and confidence from the season."
A Weekend of Cricket
The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of cricket, with the women's final kicking off at 2:15 pm and the men's final following at 6 pm. The action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Mix, with viewers also able to stream the matches contract-free on NOW.
As the sun sets on The Hundred, the cricketing world will witness a thrilling conclusion, with the Trent Rockets aiming to etch their names in history.
