The Hundred 2026 Preview
The Hundred returns in 2026 for another summer of fast-paced cricket, with the competition continuing to bring together some of the biggest names in the sport alongside emerging talent.
Since launching in 2021, the tournament has offered a different style of cricket, with each team facing 100 balls in a match. The format is designed to keep the action moving, making it accessible for new supporters while still offering plenty of tactical depth for experienced fans.
The competition features eight city-based teams across England and Wales, with the men’s and women’s tournaments running alongside each other. Matches are regularly staged as double-headers, creating a festival-style atmosphere throughout the summer.
This preview covers how The Hundred works, the teams involved, the key dates to look out for, recent champions and the sides expected to challenge for the trophy in 2026.
What Is The Hundred In Cricket?
The Hundred is a 100-ball cricket competition featuring eight teams in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Each team receives one innings of 100 balls, with the aim of scoring more runs than their opponents. The simplified format removes traditional overs and focuses on quick decision-making, aggressive batting and tactical bowling changes.
Bowlers deliver either five or ten consecutive balls from the same end, with captains deciding how to use their attack. Each bowler can deliver a maximum of 20 balls in a match, creating important tactical choices throughout the innings.
The first 25 balls of an innings feature fielding restrictions, with only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. This encourages attacking cricket early on before teams adjust their strategies through the middle and final stages.
The men’s and women’s competitions follow the same playing format, with both tournaments receiving equal focus during the season.
How Does The Hundred Work?
The Hundred uses a straightforward format, with each side selecting 11 players and attempting to score as many runs as possible from 100 deliveries.
Captains manage their bowling options carefully, deciding when to use five-ball spells and when to keep a bowler on for a longer ten-ball period. The 20-ball limit per bowler means teams must balance attacking options with controlling the opposition’s scoring rate.
The opening 25 balls are played with restrictions on field placement, often creating opportunities for batters to attack from the beginning. Once those restrictions are lifted, teams look to build partnerships, manage match-ups and create pressure during key moments.
Because there is only one innings per side, momentum can change quickly. A strong spell of bowling or a burst of attacking batting can completely alter the outcome of a match.
Games are designed to fit into a shorter evening window than traditional cricket formats, helping attract a broad audience during the summer months.
How Many Balls Are In An Over In The Hundred?
The Hundred does not use traditional six-ball overs.
Instead, bowlers deliver sets of five or ten balls from one end before play switches to the opposite end. Captains decide whether a bowler should complete a longer ten-ball spell or be used in shorter bursts depending on the match situation.
As a result, the usual term “over” is not used in The Hundred. The focus is instead on managing groups of deliveries and making the most of each spell.
When Does The Hundred Start 2026?
The Hundred 2026 begins on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, with the sixth season of the competition getting underway at The Kia Oval. The opening day features a double-header, with the women’s champions SunRisers Leeds facing MI London before the men’s champions MI London begin their title defence against SunRisers Leeds.
The tournament will run through the summer, with the group stage featuring matches across eight venues in England and Wales.
As in previous seasons, men’s and women’s teams will compete alongside each other, with many fixtures scheduled as double-headers to give supporters the chance to watch both competitions on the same day.
Matches are played across afternoon and evening sessions, allowing fans to attend games throughout the day and enjoy the fast-paced 100-ball format.
When Is The Hundred Final?
The Hundred 2026 finals will take place on Sunday, 16 August 2026, bringing the tournament to a conclusion as the men’s and women’s champions are crowned.
Before reaching the final, teams will compete in the group stage before the leading sides progress to the knockout phase. The Eliminator is scheduled for Friday, 14 August, with the winners advancing to the finals weekend.
The final venue will be confirmed by the organisers, with previous editions of The Hundred featuring showpiece matches at iconic grounds including Lord’s Cricket Ground. The final day is expected to provide another major occasion for players and supporters as the competition’s champions are decided.
Who Won The Hundred 2025?
The 2025 Hundred season produced different champions in the men’s and women’s competitions.
Oval Invincibles won the men’s competition, securing their third consecutive title after defeating Trent Rockets in the final.
In the women’s competition, Northern Superchargers claimed their first Hundred title after beating Southern Brave in the final.
Both teams produced strong campaigns throughout the season and handled the pressure of knockout cricket when it mattered most.
Which Teams Are In The Hundred 2026?
The Hundred continues to feature eight city-based teams, each with both a men’s and women’s squad.
The teams competing are:
Birmingham Phoenix – Based at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
London Spirit – Playing home matches at Lord’s in London.
Manchester Super Giants – Representing Manchester and playing at Emirates Old Trafford.
MI London – Based at The Oval in London.
Southern Brave – Based at Rose Bowl in Southampton.
Sunrisers Leeds – Based at Headingley in Leeds.
Trent Rockets – Representing Nottingham and playing at Trent Bridge.
Welsh Fire – Based at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Squads change each season through player recruitment, overseas signings and player movement, meaning every campaign brings a fresh balance of experience and new talent.
Who Are Favourites To Win The Hundred 2026?
The leading contenders for The Hundred 2026 will become clearer once squads are confirmed and the season gets underway.
Recent success makes teams such as MI London and Sunrisers Leeds obvious names to watch, while sides including Southern Brave, Manchester Originals and Trent Rockets have regularly shown they have the quality to compete.
Squad depth, player availability and performances during the opening fixtures will play a major role in shaping expectations. The short format means momentum can change quickly, with even small improvements in key moments making a significant difference.
The draft, recruitment moves and international availability will all influence which teams emerge as genuine title contenders during the 2026 season.
Bet on The Hundred at Bet442
At Bet442, you can follow The Hundred with a wide range of cricket betting markets covering the entire tournament. From outright winner markets and individual match odds to player performance options, there are plenty of ways to get involved throughout the season.
Markets are updated before and during matches, allowing you to follow how games develop as teams manage the unique challenges of the 100-ball format. You can compare prices, review available selections and place bets across desktop and mobile devices.
Alongside betting markets, keeping track of team form, player performances and venue records can help provide useful insight throughout the competition.
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