The Hundred Men’s 2026 continued to deliver thrilling contests as Manchester Super Giants (MSG) and Trent Rockets (TRT) squared off in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash. With several England and overseas stars featuring in the contest, fans were treated to an entertaining battle packed with quality cricket.
Amid the intense action, one particular moment early in the second innings stole the spotlight as Gus Atkinson produced a sensational delivery that quickly went viral across social media. The stunning piece of bowling left spectators and commentators equally impressed, becoming one of the biggest talking points of the match.
Gus Atkinson castles Ben Duckett with a peach
Defending 138, Manchester Super Giants could not have asked for a better start. Ben Duckett attempted one of his trademark scoop shots after shuffling across his stumps, but Atkinson spotted the movement early and fired in a quick full delivery aimed at the leg stump.
The batter was late on the shot, completely missing the ball as it crashed into the stumps. Duckett walked back for a two-ball duck, giving Manchester Super Giants the perfect start in their bid to defend a modest total.
Here’s the video:
EARLY WICKET 🚨
Gus Atkinson dismisses Ben Duckett with the second ball of the innings 👀#TheHundred pic.twitter.com/iBBrvUrPmG
— The Hundred (@thehundred) July 31, 2026
Finn Allen powers Trent Rockets to victory
Although Atkinson’s early strike put Trent Rockets under immediate pressure, the visitors recovered thanks to an outstanding innings from New Zealand opener Finn Allen. After Duckett’s dismissal and Tom Banton’s departure soon after, Allen stitched together a crucial partnership with Sam Billings to steady the chase. The explosive right-hander reached his half-century in just 23 balls and remained unbeaten on 72 off 35 deliveries, anchoring the innings with his trademark aggressive strokeplay.
Mitchell Santner then provided valuable support with an unbeaten 24 as Trent Rockets chased down the 138-run target with 13 balls to spare, securing a six-wicket victory and moving to the top of the points table. Earlier in the evening, Manchester Super Giants posted 137/3 after being asked to bat first.
Jos Buttler continued his impressive form with an unbeaten 55, while Leus du Plooy contributed 40 not out. However, Craig Overton’s superb spell of 3/23 prevented the hosts from posting a bigger total on a surface that became increasingly difficult for batters to dominate. Despite Atkinson’s memorable dismissal of Duckett, Allen’s match-winning knock ultimately proved decisive as Trent Rockets continued their impressive run in The Hundred Men’s 2026.
Another fine all-round outing for the Rockets and they move to the top of the table with this convincing win 💥✅#TheHundred #TrentRockets pic.twitter.com/dgpV95I8Rf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 1, 2026
