The Women’s Hundred is a dynamic cricket tournament in England and Wales, inaugurated in 2021 and organized by the ECB. It uses a unique 100-ball format designed for fast-paced action and broader audience appeal, with eight city-based teams competing each summer. Its doubleheader format and equal prize money for men’s and women’s teams have raised the bar for women’s cricket’s professionalism and visibility.
Yesterday’s thrilling final saw Northern Superchargers claim their first Women’s Hundred title with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Southern Brave at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Southern Brave, who had been unbeaten throughout the tournament, struggled under pressure to post a modest 115 for 6. The Superchargers’ bowlers, led by Kate Cross and Annabel Sutherland, dismantled the Brave’s batting lineup early on. In the chase, tournament standout players Annabel Sutherland and Nicola Carey formed a decisive 60-run partnership to seal victory with 12 balls to spare. Carey’s unbeaten 35 earned her Player of the Match honors, capping a remarkable campaign and crowning Northern Superchargers as worthy champions.
2021: Oval Invincibles Launch Dominance
The inaugural Women’s Hundred season saw Oval Invincibles set the benchmark for excellence. Led by captain Dane van Niekerk, who scored a tournament-high 259 runs, and spearheaded by the lethal bowling of Tash Farrant (18 wickets), the Invincibles dominated with a blend of aggressive batting and incisive bowling. Their campaign was defined by consistency, strategic mastery, and deep squad strength. They easily defeated Southern Brave by 48 runs in the final at Lord’s, establishing themselves as the team to beat right away.
2022: Oval Invincibles Repeat Their Triumph
Oval Invincibles proved their supremacy was no fluke by defending the title in 2022. With Suzie Bates leading the batting charts and emerging players like Alice Capsey, Eva Gray, and Sophia Smale making important breakthroughs with the ball, the Invincibles displayed greater depth and adaptability. They edged out Southern Brave once again in a closely fought final, winning by 5 wickets. This back-to-back glory reinforced their dominance and set a high standard of excellence in this burgeoning league.
2023: Southern Brave Break Through
In 2023, the Southern Brave won their first Women’s Hundred championship following two seasons of close calls. The campaign was powered by a potent bowling attack led by Georgia Adams, who claimed 16 wickets—the most in that season. Danni Wyatt’s explosive batting gave the Brave firepower to challenge rival teams consistently. They overcame Northern Superchargers by 34 runs in the final at Lord’s with disciplined bowling and formidable middle-order batting, bringing renewed excitement with a new champion.
2024: London Spirit’s Dramatic Breakthrough
The London Spirit women secured their first-ever Hundred title in 2024, ending the reign of previous champions. Heather Knight’s astute leadership inspired the team throughout a tightly contested season. Annabel Sutherland’s all-around success, which earned her the Player of the Tournament award, was established by significant wins in the league and knockout stages. Spirit edged out Welsh Fire by 4 wickets in a thrilling final, showcasing a high level of team spirit, adaptability to pressure, and clutch performances under the lights at Lord’s.
2025: Northern Superchargers Crowned Champions
In the latest edition, the Northern Superchargers emerged victorious, securing their first Women’s Hundred trophy. They defeated Southern Brave by a commanding seven wickets in the final thanks to a well-rounded campaign that was spearheaded by exceptional bowling efforts from Kate Cross and Annabel Sutherland. The match-defining partnership between Sutherland and Nicola Carey powered the chase smoothly to victory with a dozen balls to spare. This triumph marked a pivotal moment, signaling the rise of new contenders amidst a fiercely competitive and rapidly growing league.
These seasons collectively underscore The Women’s Hundred’s role as a launchpad for emerging talent and fierce competition, with each champion etching their unique legacy in one of cricket’s most innovative tournaments. Five seasons of the Women’s Hundred have seen new champions, dramatic finals, and rising stars. The tournament’s innovative format and equal focus on women’s competition have energized cricket fandom and created a true stage for world-class women athletes. With each season bringing fresh stories and talent, the Women’s Hundred has grown into a powerhouse of the global cricket calendar.
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