
The Manchester Super Giants have broken their three-game losing spell in the Men’s Hundred Competition 2026 after securing a thumping nine-wicket win over the Welsh Fire at the Old Trafford ground. Riding on match-winning half-centuries from Jos Buttler and Tim Seifert, the Super Giants comfortably chased the target of 156 runs to boost their standings in the points table.
The comprehensive victory snapped their losing streak. It also improved their Net Run Rate. This gave them fresh momentum as the tournament heads into its important phase.
After winning the toss, Welsh Fire elected to bat first and looked well placed for a massive score thanks to a superb opening partnership. Australian all-rounder Matt Short anchored the innings with a brilliant 71 runs, while England wicketkeeper-batter Phil Salt added a fluent 48. The duo stitched together a 125-run opening stand. This put the Super Giants under pressure during the first half of the innings.
However, Manchester’s bowlers fought back brilliantly in the closing stages. Gus Atkinson produced an outstanding spell. he finished with 2 wickets for just 12 runs. This helped to restrict Welsh Fire to 155/4 from 100 balls instead of allowing them to cross the 170-run mark. The disciplined death bowling proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.
Matt Short – 71
Phil Salt – 48
Opening partnership – 125 runs
Gus Atkinson – 2/12
Total – 155/4 (100 balls)
Chasing 156, Manchester Super Giants wasted little time in taking control. New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert attacked from the very beginning. He found boundaries with ease and ensuring the required run rate never became an issue. His aggressive approach immediately shifted the pressure back onto Welsh Fire. Seifert remained unbeaten on 62, playing one of his finest knocks of the tournament. His clean hitting and intelligent strike rotation laid the perfect platform for the chase.
If Seifert provided the foundation, skipper Jos Buttler supplied the fireworks. Walking in after Paul Walter’s dismissal, Buttler immediately took charge of the innings. He smashed bowlers to all parts of the ground and reached his fifty in just 20 balls. The England captain finished unbeaten on 51, helping Manchester Super Giants reach the target in only 69 balls, with 31 deliveries remaining.
The match carried even greater significance for Jos Buttler personally. During his unbeaten knock, Buttler surpassed Kieron Pollard to become the highest run-scorer in T20 cricket history. This adds another milestone to his career. The achievement came in spectacular fashion as one of his towering sixes took him beyond Pollard’s tally. This drew applause from teammates and spectators alike.
While Buttler and Seifert dominated with the bat, one of the biggest highlights of the match came in the field. Manchester Super Giants’ Ben Kellaway pulled off an extraordinary boundary catch to dismiss Paul Walter, who had scored a quick 37. Kellaway initially completed the catch near the boundary rope before realising his momentum would carry him over the rope. Showing exceptional awareness, he tossed the ball into the air and stepped beyond the boundary. Then, he returned inside the field of play, and completed the catch legally.
The athletic effort quickly went viral on social media and has already been labelled by many as one of the finest catches of The Hundred 2026.
Matt Short – 71
Phil Salt – 48
Gus Atkinson – 2/12
Tim Seifert – 62*
Jos Buttler – 51*
Manchester Super Giants won by 9 wickets.
The victory could prove to be a turning point in Manchester Super Giants’ campaign. Having lost three consecutive matches, confidence had understandably dipped within the squad. This performance ended the losing streak. It also showed the strength of their batting lineup. Their improved Net Run Rate could also become important later in the competition.
With players of the calibre of Buttler leading from the front, Seifert coming good at the top and bowlers delivering under pressure, Manchester Super Giants look well set up for a strong fight in the upcoming matches.
Jos Buttler has continued to lead by example throughout the tournament. His calm captaincy and aggressive batting have been helpful. Coming out of a tough spell of performances, Buttler responded with a match-winning performance. If he maintains this form, the Super Giants could quickly emerge as one of the strongest contenders for the knockout stages.
The Manchester Super Giants put up one of their best ever performances in The Hundred Men’s Competition 2026. They convincingly beat the Welsh Fire by nine wickets. The unbeaten 62 scored by Tim Seifert was an excellent platform for the Super Giants to get going. While, the brilliant 51* scored by Jos Buttler ensured that they ended their run of losses in style. This came after Ben Kellaway’s stunning catch at the boundary rope and Jos Buttler’s incredible T20 record.
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