Trunks was able to fight somewhat evenly with Imperfect Cell

Cell recovered quickly and dashed after the teenager, only to be caught off-guard by a crushing double fist from Trunks. The young half-Saiyan added a few more kicks before he too was thrown aside. Cell looked up, only to be met head-on by a Double Photon Strike from the twins. It blasted him back, leaving him open for Piccolo to hit him several times with a burst of Special Beam Cannons.

Trunks shook his head, dazed. Cell was impossibly strong. He just needed more power, more energy, like his father had. He had felt the sudden surge of power as the Super Saiyan aura rapidly built up inside the prince—did he have the same potential, the same ability? There wasn't much time left.

The warrior from the future pulled his aura tighter around himself, searching as deeply as he could. He called on all his anger, all his frustration—energy burned bright and hot around him. He was screaming now, trying his hardest to contain it all.

"NO! He's got her!"

Gohan's terrified shout suddenly arrested the other half-Saiyan's concentration, and he looked up to see Cell's tail wrapping around 18's body. Without hesitation, he dashed into the fray and slammed into Cell with his strongest kick, then caught 18 by the arm, pulling her free.

- Bringer of Death Chapter 44