In an electrifying finale at Lord’s, the Oval Invincibles clinched their second consecutive title in The Hundred, defeating Southern Brave by 17 runs. Under the astute leadership of Sam Billings, the Invincibles showcased their tenacity and skill, successfully defending a moderate total of 147, thanks in large part to a clutch performance by Saqib Mahmood.
The stage was set for a thrilling contest as the James Vince-led Southern Brave squared off against the Invincibles. The Brave seemed to be in control during their chase, requiring just 53 runs from the last 30 balls. However, Mahmood’s spell of reverse swing bowling dramatically shifted the momentum. In a pivotal seven-ball spell, Mahmood claimed three critical wickets, dismantling the Brave’s batting lineup and leaving them short of their target. This decisive performance under pressure endorsed Mahmood’s reputation as a match-winner and crucially tipped the scales in favor of the Invincibles.
The women’s competition saw its share of drama and excitement as well, with the London Spirit securing their maiden title by defeating Welsh Fire. Chasing a target of 116, the London Spirit managed to cross the finish line in a nail-biting fashion. Deepti Sharma played the role of the hero, smashing a six off the third last ball to ensure her team’s victory and etch their name into the annals of The Hundred’s history.
Sam Billings has now distinguished himself as the first captain to lift The Hundred title twice, underscoring his leadership qualities and tactical acumen. The Invincibles, with Billings at the helm, had previously won the title and his experience and steady hand were once again pivotal in guiding his team to glory.
Remarkably, the Oval Invincibles have created a unique legacy in The Hundred by winning titles every single year, whether in the men’s or women’s divisions. In 2021 and 2022, their women’s team clinched the championship, and in 2023 and 2024, it was the men’s team’s turn to dominate the competition. This unparalleled consistency has established the Invincibles as a powerhouse within the league, with fans and critics alike applauding their sustained excellence and depth of talent.
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Reflecting on the champions and standout players over the years, it is evident that The Hundred has been a showcase of both emerging and established cricketing talents. Here is the list of yearly winners and the players of the series:
– **2021**: Oval Invincibles (women’s) and Southern Brave (men’s). The standout performers were Dane van Niekerk and James Vince.
– **2022**: Oval Invincibles (women’s) and Trent Rockets (men’s), with Suzie Bates and Lewis Gregory taking individual honors.
– **2023**: Southern Brave (women’s) and Oval Invincibles (men’s), with Anya Shrubsole and Sam Billings being named the players of the series.
– **2024**: London Spirit (women’s) and Oval Invincibles (men’s), with Heather Knight and Sam Curran standing out in their respective competitions.
The battle for individual accolades has been fierce and noteworthy as well. In 2021, Dane van Niekerk and Liam Livingstone were awarded for their splendid performances. The following year, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Adam Lyth took the honors. Marizanne Kapp and Jamie Overton shone brightest in 2023, and in 2024, Annabel Sutherland and Sam Curran were rightly acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.
The 2024 season of The Hundred has once again emphasized the format’s ability to deliver thrilling and competitive cricket, bringing both established stars and rising talents into the spotlight. The gripping contests and memorable performances have not only entertained fans across the globe but also reinforced the league’s growing reputation as a premier event.
As the final fireworks fizzled out over Lord’s, the cricketing world looked on, eagerly anticipating what the next season of The Hundred would bring. With the consistent rise in the level of competition, future seasons promise to be just as thrilling. Whether it’s the tactical masterstrokes from captains like Sam Billings or the emergence of new heroes, The Hundred continues to captivate and inspire, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of modern cricketing entertainment.
