Finn Allen's 72 Not Out Rockets Trent to Summit of the Hundred

Finn Allen walked off unbeaten on 72. Trent Rockets walked to the top of the Hundred table. A six-wicket win with deliveries to spare sent Manchester Super Giants, who arrived at this fixture in first place, down to second.

Allen's innings decided the shape of the standings. The New Zealand opener built his franchise reputation on explosive powerplay hitting, and this knock carried every hallmark of that approach: clean striking, minimal risk, maximum pressure transferred back onto the bowlers. No visible panic when a wicket fell at the other end. By the time the winning runs were clipped away, the Super Giants' attack looked resigned to the result. The gap between the two sides is now defined by this single match.

The Super Giants' bowlers could not penetrate Allen's defence or disrupt his rhythm. Rockets stayed ahead of the required rate throughout, and once Allen settled, the asking rate became a formality rather than a threat. His footwork against the slower-ball variations defined the chase. Too often in the Hundred, a set batter gets bogged down by change-ups in the second half of the innings. Allen's head stayed still, his hands followed, and the ball found the boundary boards with mechanical regularity.

For Manchester Super Giants, a loss to a direct rival produces a sharp swing in net position. Every remaining fixture carries immediate table stakes, and the sides below will sense an opening. Trent Rockets hold first place for now, anchored by an opener who refused to be rushed.