EDICRIC | Cricket | The Top Five Teams in The Hundred Cricket Tournament
The Top Five Teams in The Hundred Cricket Tournament
The Hundred cricket tournament burst onto the scene in July and August 2021, bringing with it a new and exhilarating format of the game. With eight men’s and eight women’s teams representing major cities across England and Wales Cricket Board, The Hundred offered a unique spectacle, captivating huge crowds and viewership alike. Distinguishing itself from the traditional Twenty20 format, The Hundred featured 100 balls per innings, five-ball overs, strategic timeouts, 25 balls of powerplay, and a blend of local and international players. As we look back on the inaugural edition, let’s delve into the top five teams that truly left an indelible mark in this groundbreaking tournament.
5. The Hundred | Welsh Fire (Men’s)
Despite finishing fifth in the points table with four wins and four losses, Welsh Fire showcased immense promise throughout the tournament. Captain Jonny Bairstow led from the front, amassing 295 runs in six innings, including two vital half-centuries. Notably, Bairstow also etched his name in the record books, scoring the fastest fifty in The Hundred, off just 18 balls against Southern Brave. Complementing their captain’s efforts, Qais Ahmad proved to be a menacing presence with the ball, taking 12 wickets in eight matches, including a hat-trick against Oval Invincibles – the first of its kind in The Hundred.
4. The Hundred | Oval Invincibles (Women’s)
Oval Invincibles‘ women’s team claimed the fourth spot in the points table, registering five wins and three losses. A star-studded lineup featured world-class talents such as Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, and Mady Villiers. Van Niekerk was undoubtedly their standout performer, contributing with both bat and ball, scoring 259 runs and taking 12 wickets in eight matches. Notably, she held her nerves and secured a dramatic last-ball victory against Manchester Originals in the tournament’s opening match. The team’s campaign was further boosted by Kapp’s exceptional all-round performance, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 14 scalps and contributing with a match-winning 50 not out against London Spirit.
3. The Hundred | Trent Rockets (Men’s)
The Trent Rockets men’s team finished third in the points table, securing six wins and suffering two losses. This balanced outfit featured experienced players like Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Rashid Khan, and Lewis Gregory. Hales and Malan were formidable with the bat, with Hales amassing 323 runs and Malan registering the fastest hundred in The Hundred, off just 46 balls against Birmingham Phoenix. Rashid Khan’s mesmerizing spin was a force to reckon with, as he topped the wicket-takers list with 12 scalps. The team’s skipper, Lewis Gregory, led by example, contributing both with the bat and ball and captaining with astute tactical acumen.
2. The Hundread | Southern Brave (Women’s)
Claiming the second position in the points table, Southern Brave’s women’s team enjoyed a successful campaign with six wins and two losses. Spearheaded by players like Smriti Mandhana, Anya Shrubsole, Sophia Dunkley, and Stafanie Taylor, this team was a formidable force. Mandhana’s explosive batting was at the forefront, amassing 268 runs in seven innings. Shrubsole’s bowling prowess stood out, leading the wicket-takers list with 18 scalps, including remarkable figures of 4 wickets for 9 runs against London Spirit. Dunkley’s consistency and Taylor’s all-around brilliance bolstered the team’s performances, making them a potent force throughout the tournament.
1. The Hundred | Southern Brave (Men’s)
Earning the top position in the points table and ultimately lifting the inaugural title of The Hundred, the Southern Brave men’s team left an indomitable impression. With seven wins and just one loss, they dominated the competition. Boasting explosive players like Quinton de Kock, James Vince, Chris Jordan, and Tymal Mills, Southern Brave’s campaign was nothing short of a spectacle. De Kock’s blazing batting prowess saw him accumulate 259 runs in six innings, including the fastest fifty in The Hundred Men’s final. Vince’s formidable 69 off 41 balls in the final further solidified his position as a key player. Chris Jordan’s fiery pace and Tymal Mills’ economical bowling proved instrumental in securing the coveted title.
The inaugural edition of The Hundred cricket tournament was a resounding success, elevating the thrill of the game to unprecedented heights. As we celebrate this new and exciting format, we acknowledge the top five teams whose stellar performances and incredible talent captivated audiences worldwide. With the foundation laid, fans eagerly anticipate future editions of The Hundred to witness more exhilarating cricket action from these and other emerging stars.
