The 2024 edition of The Hundred witnessed yet another thrilling finale as the Oval Invincibles defended their title against the Southern Brave, clinching their second consecutive championship in the competition. Under the astute leadership of Sam Billings, the Invincibles outperformed James Vince’s Southern Brave, sealing the final with a convincing 17-run victory at Lord’s.
The Invincibles set a target of 147 runs, a total that was considerably modest by modern T20 standards. However, it was Saqib Mahmood’s masterful spell of reverse swing that turned the tides in their favor. Mahmood’s seven-ball spell yielded three crucial wickets, halting the Brave’s momentum. From a seemingly controllable equation of needing 53 runs off the last 30 balls, the Brave collapsed under pressure and fell short of the target.
In contrast, the women’s competition saw London Spirit clinch their maiden title by pulling off a tense chase against the Welsh Fire. The Fire had posted a challenging total of 116, but the London side chased it down in a thrilling finish, thanks to an outstanding six hit by Deepti Sharma off the third-last ball of the innings.
This year marks a significant milestone for Sam Billings, who has now become the first captain to lift The Hundred trophy twice across either the men’s or women’s competitions. Following a victorious campaign with the Oval Invincibles last season, Billings has etched his name in The Hundred’s history books with back-to-back titles.
Since its inception, the format of The Hundred has produced distinctive champions for both the men’s and women’s circuits each year. The Invincibles have shown consistent dominance with the women’s team claiming victory in both 2021 and 2022, and the men’s team emulating this success in 2023 and 2024.
A look back at The Hundred’s history underlines the competitive nature of the tournament. In 2021, it was the Oval Invincibles’ women’s side and the Southern Brave’s men who took home the championship. The subsequent year saw the Invincibles’ women retain their title, while the Trent Rockets claimed the men’s prize.
The scripts changed yet again in 2023 with Anya Shrubsole’s Southern Brave women lifting the trophy and Sam Billings leading the Invincibles’ men to their first title.
. For the current year, the trend continued with Heather Knight’s London Spirit securing their inaugural win in the women’s category, marked by a fiercely fought contest against the Welsh Fire.
Individual brilliance has always complemented team efforts in The Hundred. Dane van Niekerk and James Vince were pivotal in their teams’ triumphs in 2021. The following year, it was Suzie Bates and Lewis Gregory who emerged as key figures. In 2023, Anya Shrubsole and Sam Billings stood out for their leadership and performances.
This year’s competition saw Heather Knight’s all-around excellence drive London Spirit to glory, while Sam Billings’ tactical acumen and performance ensured Invincibles’ continued reign. Additionally, the stand-out players of the series further highlight the depth of talent across the board. Dane van Niekerk and Liam Livingstone were awarded in 2021, followed by Nat Sciver-Brunt and Adam Lyth in 2022, with Marizanne Kapp and Jamie Overton honored the next year.
In 2024, Annabel Sutherland and Sam Curran were named players of the series for their outstanding contributions. Sutherland’s consistent performances lit up the women’s tournament, while Curran’s all-round capabilities were instrumental for the men’s competition.
The narrative of The Hundred reveals a constant evolution and fierce rivalry in English cricket. The dynamics of the competition have not only brought domestic cricket to the forefront but also enriched the game with compelling narratives and individual brilliance. Every year, new stories unfold while legends like Saqib Mahmood carve their niche.
In essence, The Hundred has showcased the epitome of tactical intricacy and raw cricketing talent, solidifying its status as a premier competition. Oval Invincibles’ back-to-back victories combined with London Spirit’s maiden triumph underscore a season marked by intense competition and historic achievements.
With each edition, The Hundred continues to set new benchmarks, forever etching memorable chapters into the annals of cricket history.
