Manchester Super Giants vs Trent Rockets Prediction & Match Preview – The Hundred

Manchester Super Giants and Trent Rockets meet in the 14th match of The Hundred Men’s Competition 2026 at Emirates Old Trafford on Friday 31 July, with a 6:30 pm local start.

Super Giants suffered their first defeat of the season last time out, losing by eight wickets to Sunrisers Leeds despite making 181/3. Jos Buttler hit an unbeaten 63 off 33 balls, Heinrich Klaasen 53 off 27 and Aiden Markram 32. The bowlers could not defend it, with Sonny Baker and Josh Tongue taking a wicket each while Gus Atkinson, Liam Dawson and Noor Ahmad went wicketless. Buttler has 169 runs in three innings at 84.50, Tim Seifert has 96, Baker has five wickets and Dawson four.

Trent Rockets are buoyed by a nine-wicket win over Welsh Fire, bowling them out for 122/7 before chasing it down with 28 balls to spare. Ben Duckett made an unbeaten 52 off 45, Finn Allen 33 off 19 and Tom Banton an unbeaten 31 off 15. Mitchell Santner took 3 for 35 and Matt Henry two. Duckett also has 169 runs at 84.50, Banton has 99 at a strike rate of 186.79, and Calvin Harrison and Santner have four wickets each.

Both sides are strong, but the Rockets’ current momentum gives them the narrow edge in our preview.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Old Trafford normally offers a balanced surface. Fast bowlers can find swing and seam with the new ball, so the powerplay is a key phase, and as the pitch settles, batters who spend time at the crease can accelerate in the final 30–40 balls. Spinners and slower-ball specialists can exploit some grip in the middle overs, and the large square boundaries reward disciplined bowling and timing over raw power. First-innings totals of around 150–170 are usually competitive.

Weather

Friday evening should be ideal, with temperatures of about 18–19°C and mostly sunny to partly clear skies. There is virtually no chance of rain, and a light breeze may give seamers a little early help. Humidity should stay moderate, with little or no dew expected.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 150–170
• 2nd innings: 145–165

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