Jos Buttler scored 90 off 50 balls on July 26, 2026, to lead the Manchester Super Giants to an 87-run victory over the Birmingham Phoenix at Old Trafford. The win maintains the Super Giants’ perfect start to the men’s Hundred competition with two wins from two matches.
The match began with delays after the women’s fixture was washed out and the men’s game was pushed back by 30 minutes. Once play commenced, the Manchester Super Giants dismantled the Birmingham Phoenix, posting a commanding total of 187-5 before bowling the visitors out for 100 in 97 balls.
Jos Buttler’s 90-Run Masterclass
The Super Giants’ innings was defined by Jos Buttler’s 90 runs from 50 balls. The 35-year-old England wicketkeeper-batter, coming off a high score of 131 against India earlier in the month, hit seven fours and five sixes to anchor the home side’s attack.
Buttler’s dominance came despite early losses for Manchester, as Tim Seifert and captain Aiden Markram both fell cheaply. Buttler reached his half-century in 31 balls, utilizing a mix of power-hitting and deft touches. He remained the central figure of the innings until his departure with only three balls remaining.
He was supported late in the game by Tom Moores, who contributed an unbeaten 39 from 17 deliveries. The resulting total of 187-5 stands as the second-highest Hundred total recorded at Old Trafford.
Birmingham Phoenix’s Batting Collapse
The Birmingham Phoenix struggled to keep pace from the outset. The collapse began with Josh Tongue, who took two wickets in consecutive balls to dismiss Will Smeed and Rehan Ahmed.
The momentum stayed with Manchester as Liam Dawson claimed 3-15, removing opener Joe Clarke and Laurie Evans. These quick wickets left the Phoenix reeling at 43-4. While captain Donovan Ferreira managed a top score of 23, the visitors could not recover, eventually sliding to their first defeat of the campaign.
| Player | Performance | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | 90 (50) | Manchester Super Giants |
| Tom Moores | 39* (17) | Manchester Super Giants |
| Liam Dawson | 3-15 | Manchester Super Giants |
| Donovan Ferreira | 23 (25) | Birmingham Phoenix |
| Josh Tongue | 2-21 | Manchester Super Giants |
Tournament Standings and Old Trafford History
This result shifts the momentum in the men’s Hundred. Having previously secured a seven-run victory over London Spirit, the Super Giants now hold a 2-0 record. For the Phoenix, this loss follows an initial win where they defeated Trent Rockets by 10 runs.
The head-to-head history between these two sides favors Manchester. Across five matches, Manchester Super Giants have won three times, while Birmingham Phoenix have won twice. Their first-ever meeting took place on July 25, 2021, and was won by the Super Giants.
The pitch at Old Trafford was expected to be balanced, with early movement for pacers and later assistance for spinners. The Super Giants’ bowling attack capitalized on this, particularly in the early overs, to ensure the Phoenix never established a stable partnership.
Action continues on Monday with a double header in Southampton, where the Southern Brave take on MI London. In the women’s competition, the home side aims to maintain their top-of-the-table position following two wins, while the MI London women are still seeking their first victory.
