Get ready, because the sixth iteration of The Hundred is kicking off July 21 and running all the way through August 16, 2026. This isn’t just another cricket tournament, folks, it is the unique 100-ball format that absolutely delivers non-stop action, and it’s all happening under the watchful eye of the England and Wales Cricket Board. Mark your calendars, because this summer is about to get intense with some incredible cricket.
Championship Rematch Vibes and Format Breakdown
Last year’s champions are back, and they are bringing serious heat! The Oval Invincibles stormed their way to the men’s title in 2025, and you know they are coming out swinging to defend that crown. On the women’s side, it was the London Spirit who claimed the championship in 2025, and their title defense is going to be epic. This tournament features eight men’s and eight women’s teams all vying for glory, and with the 100-ball format, every single play matters. We are talking 100 balls per innings, with matches wrapped up in about two and a half hours. It is fast, furious, and everything you want in a high-stakes competition.
Each team plays eight matches in the league stage, with four at home and four away. The top two teams in the league standings get that sweet direct ticket to the finals. But don’t count out third and fourth place, because they battle it out in a thrilling Eliminator match to earn their spot in the championship game. The teams fighting it out this year are the Birmingham Phoenix, London Spirit, Manchester Super Giants, MI London, Southern Brave, Sunrisers Leeds, Trent Rockets, and Welsh Fire. What a lineup!
First Ball Drop and How to Catch Every Play
The action kicks off with an absolute bang on Tuesday, July 21, with the opening day fixtures played live at The Kia Oval in London. We are getting a double-header right off the bat, with MI London going head-to-head against Sunrisers Leeds, featuring both the men’s and women’s teams. Talk about starting strong! The whole thing culminates in both finals at the iconic Lord’s on Sunday, August 16. That’s where champions will be made, and it is going to be electric.
You are not going to want to miss a single moment. Most men’s games are slated for 6:30 p.m. BST, with women’s games generally starting at 3:00 p.m. BST. Weekend double-headers mix it up a bit with earlier starts, including matches at 11:00 a.m. BST, 11:30 a.m. BST, 2:30 p.m. BST, and 6:00 p.m. BST. For those of us in the USA, a 6:30 p.m. BST start time means 1:30 p.m. ET, and a 3:00 p.m. BST start time is 10:00 a.m. ET. You can catch all the drama and unbelievable plays in the USA and Canada on Willow and DAZN.
This sixth edition of The Hundred is set to be the wildest one yet. With champions returning and every game packed with quick-fire action, you know the competition will be fierce until the final ball is bowled at Lord’s.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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