The Hundred 2024 favorites is on the horizon, promising cricket fans another exhilarating season of this unique tournament crafted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Set to commence on July 23, the competition will open with a double-header featuring both men’s and women’s matches at the iconic Oval venue.
The Launch of the Fourth Edition
The tournament will begin with a clash between the Oval Invincibles and Birmingham Phoenix women, followed by a game between the men’s teams of the same clubs. The Oval Invincibles, reigning champions of the Men’s Competition, will start their campaign in the same place where they celebrated last year’s triumph.
Competition Format
This season, eight city-based teams will once again vie for supremacy. Each team will play six of the other teams once and one team twice. The team that leads the table after these matches will earn a direct spot in the final, while the second and third-placed teams will face off to claim the remaining final berth.
Favorites and Key Players in the Men’s Division
The Oval Invincibles are back with a strong lineup and are the favorites to defend their title. They secured the top spot last season with an impressive record of six wins against a single defeat and clinched the championship by defeating the Manchester Originals. The team’s core, including Sam Curran, Sam Billings, and Tom Curran, remains intact, bolstered by talents like Adam Zampa and Jordan Cox.
The Manchester Originals, led by England captain Jos Buttler and featuring stars like Phil Salt and Sikandar Raza, are desperate to go one step further this season after two consecutive runner-up finishes.
Despite disappointing previous seasons North Superchargers and Birmingham Phoenix are poised for favorites. They will depend heavily on the prowess of Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, and a revitalized squad to improve their standings.
Standout Players to Watch
Jos Buttler continues to be a formidable force, coming off as the top scorer in last year’s competition with 391 runs. Jofra Archer, returning from injury, is expected to be a crucial player and unleash favorite for Southern Brave, having had a commendable stint in the T20 World Cup.
Favorites in the Women’s Competition
Southern Brave Women, after two near-misses, finally clinched their maiden title in 2023 and are once again the team to beat. With powerhouse players like Smriti Mandhana and Danni Wyatt, they are well-positioned to defend their title.
The Northern Superchargers, led by stars such as Annabel Sutherland and Phoebe Litchfield, are also strong contenders, having shown formidable form in the previous season.
Women’s Key Players
Nat Sciver-Brunt, representing Trent Rockets, is anticipated to replicate her stellar performance from the last season, where she excelled as a specialist batter. Danni Wyatt, last season’s top run-scorer for the women, is expected to bring her explosive batting to the forefront once again.
As The Hundred 2024 approaches, both the men’s and women’s competitions are set to offer a plethora of thrilling cricket, with each team boasting both seasoned and emerging talents aiming to make their mark in this innovative cricket format.